Is Winston-Salem, NC cheaper than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Winston-Salem, NC is 4.3% cheaper than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY. This translates to saving $323 per month.

What salary do I need in Winston-Salem, NC to live like I do in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY, you'd need approximately $146,129.032 in Winston-Salem, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY and Winston-Salem, NC?

Housing in Winston-Salem, NC is 8.9% cheaper than in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Winston-Salem, NC compared to $1,000/month in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY to Winston-Salem, NC?

Moving from Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY to Winston-Salem, NC could save you approximately $323 per month, or $3871 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY 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 Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $323/month moving to Winston-Salem, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.1K in Winston-Salem, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$323

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.9K

Per year

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

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Population:320K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$345K

Winston-Salem, NC

Population:250K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$254K

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

The Bluegrass State

320K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 320K 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: Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY vs Winston-Salem, NC

Category	Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY	Winston-Salem, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,339/mo	$2,131/mo	↓ $208less	8.9%
Other	$1,641/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $66.96less	4.1%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$519/mo	↑ $54.64more	11.8%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$601/mo	↑ $49.57more	9.0%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $13.66less	1.1%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 8.9%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$2,339

Winston-Salem, NC

$2,131

Difference

$208

less

Other

↓ 4.1%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,641

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,574

Difference

$66.96

less

All Utilities

↑ 11.8%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$464

Winston-Salem, NC

$519

Difference

$54.64

Healthcare

↑ 9.0%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$551

Winston-Salem, NC

$601

Difference

$49.57

Transportation

↓ 1.1%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,216

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,202

Difference

$13.66

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$959

Winston-Salem, NC

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$720

To$1,065

↑ $345

1 Bed

From$820

To$1,155

↑ $335

2 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,315

↑ $315

3 Bed

From$1,350

To$1,715

↑ $365

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.

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$6,986

Monthly in Winston-Salem, NC

$184

Difference

Home Values

Lexington-Fayette urban county

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

↑ $375

Per year

Monthly Difference

$31.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kentucky State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/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

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.