Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Winston-Salem is 18% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,033/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 11%
$57,673/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 20%
$208,200 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 21%
$1,040/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 13%
250,887
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $11,689/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Springfield — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Springfield?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Springfield?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $11,689/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Missouri?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Springfield details →

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