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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Winston-Salem is 32% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,033/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 37%
$57,673/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 17%
$208,200 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 63%
$1,040/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 46%
250,887
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $9,871/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Worcester — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Worcester?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Worcester?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $9,871/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Worcester details →

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