Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Winston-Salem is 44% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,033/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 55%
$57,673/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 45%
$208,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 118%
$1,040/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 68%
250,887
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $26,184/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Tacoma?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Tacoma?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $26,184/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Tacoma details →

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