Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Winston-Salem is 49% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,033/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 75%
$57,673/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 75%
$208,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 132%
$1,040/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 84%
250,887
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $777/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $9,324/year.

Median household income is $43,312/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Thornton — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Thornton?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $777/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Thornton?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $43,312/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Thornton

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton