Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Winston-Salem is 22% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,033/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 8%
$57,673/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 3%
$208,200 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 37%
$1,040/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 11%
250,887
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $1,771/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Topeka — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Topeka?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Topeka?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $1,771/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

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