Is Winston-Salem, NC cheaper than Arlington, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Winston-Salem, NC is 40.1% cheaper than Arlington, VA. This translates to saving $3005 per month.

What salary do I need in Winston-Salem, NC to live like I do in Arlington, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Arlington, VA, you'd need approximately $113,940.188 in Winston-Salem, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Arlington, VA and Winston-Salem, NC?

Housing in Winston-Salem, NC is 61.0% cheaper than in Arlington, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Winston-Salem, NC compared to $2,325/month in Arlington, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Arlington, VA to Winston-Salem, NC?

Moving from Arlington, VA to Winston-Salem, NC could save you approximately $3005 per month, or $36060 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arlington, VA vs Winston-Salem, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Arlington, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.0K/month moving to Winston-Salem, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.9K in Winston-Salem, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 40.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,005

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$556K

Winston-Salem, NC

Population:250K

Cost Index:

(40% below avg)

Median Home:$254K

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 239K residents.

Winston-Salem, NC

The Tar Heel State

250K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 250K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Arlington, VA vs Winston-Salem, NC

Category	Arlington, VA	Winston-Salem, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,461/mo	$2,131/mo	↓ $3,330less	61.0%
Transportation	$1,842/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $640less	34.7%
Other	$1,783/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $209less	11.7%
Groceries	$1,067/mo	$959/mo	↓ $107less	10.1%
Healthcare	$625/mo	$601/mo	↓ $23.66less	3.8%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$519/mo	↑ $16.82more	3.3%

Housing

↓ 61.0%

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Winston-Salem, NC

$2,131

Difference

$3,330

less

Transportation

↓ 34.7%

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,202

Difference

$640

less

Other

↓ 11.7%

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,574

Difference

$209

less

Groceries

↓ 10.1%

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Winston-Salem, NC

$959

Difference

$107

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.8%

Arlington, VA

$625

Winston-Salem, NC

$601

Difference

$23.66

less

All Utilities

↑ 3.3%

Arlington, VA

$502

Winston-Salem, NC

$519

Difference

$16.82

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,578

To$1,065

↓ $513

1 Bed

From$1,827

To$1,155

↓ $672

2 Bed

From$2,325

To$1,315

↓ $1,010

3 Bed

From$3,239

To$1,715

↓ $1,524

Winston-Salem, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,260/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$6,986

Monthly in Winston-Salem, NC

$4,293

Difference

Home Values

Arlington

Winston-Salem

Median Value

$254K

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.2%

Price Range

$168K - $363K

Calculate payment - Winston-Salem

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$104

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

Arlington, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Winston-Salem, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Winston-Salem, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.