Is Winston-Salem, NC cheaper than Huntsville, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Winston-Salem, NC is 5.6% cheaper than Huntsville, AL. This translates to saving $419 per month.

What salary do I need in Winston-Salem, NC to live like I do in Huntsville, AL?

If you earn $150,000 in Huntsville, AL, you'd need approximately $144,969.568 in Winston-Salem, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Huntsville, AL and Winston-Salem, NC?

Housing in Winston-Salem, NC is 2.3% more expensive than in Huntsville, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Winston-Salem, NC compared to $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL.

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

Moving from Huntsville, AL to Winston-Salem, NC could save you approximately $419 per month, or $5030 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Huntsville, AL 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 Huntsville, AL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $419/month moving to Winston-Salem, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.0K in Winston-Salem, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$419

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.0K

Per year

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

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$310K

Winston-Salem, NC

Population:250K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$254K

Huntsville, AL

The Heart of Dixie

226K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 226K 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: Huntsville, AL vs Winston-Salem, NC

Category	Huntsville, AL	Winston-Salem, NC	Difference	Change
Other	$1,705/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $131less	7.7%
Transportation	$1,303/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $100less	7.7%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$601/mo	↑ $65.69more	12.3%
Housing	$2,084/mo	$2,131/mo	↑ $47.22more	2.3%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$519/mo	↓ $44.00less	7.8%
Groceries	$999/mo	$959/mo	↓ $39.27less	3.9%

Other

↓ 7.7%

Huntsville, AL

$1,705

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,574

Difference

$131

less

Transportation

↓ 7.7%

Huntsville, AL

$1,303

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,202

Difference

$100

less

Healthcare

↑ 12.3%

Huntsville, AL

$535

Winston-Salem, NC

$601

Difference

$65.69

Housing

↑ 2.3%

Huntsville, AL

$2,084

Winston-Salem, NC

$2,131

Difference

$47.22

All Utilities

↓ 7.8%

Huntsville, AL

$563

Winston-Salem, NC

$519

Difference

$44.00

less

Groceries

↓ 3.9%

Huntsville, AL

$999

Winston-Salem, NC

$959

Difference

$39.27

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,138

To$1,065

↓ $73.00

1 Bed

From$1,257

To$1,155

↓ $102

2 Bed

From$1,447

To$1,315

↓ $132

3 Bed

From$1,864

To$1,715

↓ $149

Huntsville, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,710/mo

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.

$7,188

Monthly in Huntsville, AL

$6,986

Monthly in Winston-Salem, NC

$202

Difference

Home Values

Huntsville

Winston-Salem

$310K

Median Value

$254K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↑ +29.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.2%

$153K - $382K

Price Range

$168K - $363K

Homes in Winston-Salem are 18% less expensive than Huntsville

Calculate payment - Huntsville Calculate payment - Winston-Salem

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $335

Per year

Monthly Difference

$27.92

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Huntsville, AL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alabama State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,794/month

$105.5K

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

Huntsville, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

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.