Cost of Living Comparison for Winston-Salem, NC
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Winston-Salem's cost of living index is 88 — 12% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Winston-Salem local data
How Winston-Salem Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Winston-Salem stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Winston-Salem, NC | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $230,000 | $420,800 | -45.3% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $950 | $1,713 | -44.5% |
| Median Household Income | $52,600 | $74,580 | -29.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.79% | 1.10% | -28.2% |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Winston-Salem Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 680,000
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg Commute
- 22 min
- Median Age
- 35.7
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 20.2x
- Annual Property Tax
- $1,817
Cost of Living Comparison in Other North Carolina Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Winston-Salem
What is the median home price in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median home price in Winston-Salem is $230,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Winston-Salem?
Median monthly rent in Winston-Salem is $950. That works out to $11,400/year, or 22% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Winston-Salem affordable?
Winston-Salem's cost of living index is 88 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $52,600/year and a median home price of $230,000, the price-to-income ratio is 4.4x. Winston-Salem falls in the middle of the affordability spectrum for US cities.
What is the property tax rate in Winston-Salem?
The effective property tax rate in Winston-Salem is 0.79% of assessed value. On the median home of $230,000, that's roughly $1,817/year ($151/month).