Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Winston-Salem is 59% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,033/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 114%
$57,673/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 86%
$208,200 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 195%
$1,040/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 127%
250,887
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,174/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $14,088/year.

Median household income is $49,801/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Stamford — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Stamford?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $1,174/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Stamford?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $49,801/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

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