Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Winston-Salem is 18% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,033/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 23%
$57,673/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 36%
$208,200 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 25%
$1,040/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 20%
250,887
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $20,756/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Sterling Heights slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $20,756/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,267/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Sterling Heights details →

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