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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Winston-Salem is 29% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,033/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 27%
$57,673/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 11%
$208,200 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 68%
$1,040/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 32%
250,887
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $6,227/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Wilmington?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Wilmington?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $6,227/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Wilmington details →

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