Is Winston-Salem expensive to live in?

Winston-Salem is considered affordable, with a cost index of 95 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 5% less than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,445, and the median household income is $57,673.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Winston-Salem?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $57,800/year to afford median rent in Winston-Salem. The median household income is $57,673, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 30%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Winston-Salem?

The median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,445 per month. Housing costs score 88 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 12% cheaper than the US average.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the national average cost of living?

Winston-Salem's overall cost index is 95 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (88), food & groceries (93), transportation (90), utilities (87), and healthcare (98). Winston-Salem is below average in most categories, making it a strong value destination.

Is Winston-Salem, North Carolina a good place to live?

Winston-Salem has a population of 252,975 and a median household income of $57,673. With a cost index of 95, it offers strong affordability relative to the national average. The rent-to-income ratio is 30%, which is within healthy financial guidelines.

What are the cheapest cities near Winston-Salem?

To find the most affordable cities near Winston-Salem in North Carolina, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the North Carolina state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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North Carolina

Winston-Salem

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 95

Median rent: $1,445

Median income: $57,673

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About Winston-Salem

Living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Winston-Salem, North Carolina is a mid-size city with a population of approximately 252,975. The overall cost of living index sits at 95, which is below the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 5% less expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Winston-Salem. Median rent is $1,445 per month, while the median home price is $260,277. At a median household income of $57,673, rent consumes roughly 30% of gross income, which represents a moderate housing cost burden. The housing sub-index of 88 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Winston-Salem with a sub-index of 98, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 87. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: North Carolina applies a 4.50% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.70% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 6.98%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Winston-Salem has remained relatively stable. Among the 9 tracked cities in North Carolina, Winston-Salem ranks #3 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Winston-Salem actually costs.

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