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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Winston-Salem is 42% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,033/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 58%
$57,673/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 36%
$208,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 111%
$1,040/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 55%
250,887
Population
192,696

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $599/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,188/year.

Median household income is $20,483/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Vancouver?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $599/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Vancouver?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $20,483/year higher in Vancouver.
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 Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Vancouver details →

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