Is Winston-Salem, NC cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Winston-Salem, NC is 47.0% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $3527 per month.

What salary do I need in Winston-Salem, NC to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $107,678.571 in Winston-Salem, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Winston-Salem, NC?

Housing in Winston-Salem, NC is 72.1% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Winston-Salem, NC compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Winston-Salem, NC?

Moving from New York, NY to Winston-Salem, NC could save you approximately $3527 per month, or $42321 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

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Winston-Salem, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.5K/month moving to Winston-Salem, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $107.7K in Winston-Salem, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 47.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,527

Savings

Annual Impact

$42.3K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Winston-Salem, NC

Population:250K

Cost Index:53

Median Home:$254K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Winston-Salem, NC

Category	New York, NY	Winston-Salem, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,131/mo	↓ $5,517less	72.1%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $460less	22.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $400less	25.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$959/mo	↓ $206less	17.7%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$601/mo	↓ $86.74less	12.6%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$519/mo	↓ $80.87less	13.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 72.1%

New York, NY

$7,648

Winston-Salem, NC

$2,131

Difference

$5,517

less

📦Other

↓ 22.6%

New York, NY

$2,034

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,574

Difference

$460

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.0%

New York, NY

$1,602

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,202

Difference

$400

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.7%

New York, NY

$1,165

Winston-Salem, NC

$959

Difference

$206

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.6%

New York, NY

$688

Winston-Salem, NC

$601

Difference

$86.74

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 13.5%

New York, NY

$600

Winston-Salem, NC

$519

Difference

$80.87

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

Winston-Salem, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,120

To$1,065

↓ $2,055

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$1,155

↓ $2,115

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,315

↓ $2,275

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$1,715

↓ $2,785

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$6,986

Monthly in Winston-Salem, NC

$6,751

Difference

Home Values

New York

Winston-Salem

$1.05M

Median Value

$254K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.2%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$168K - $363K

Homes in Winston-Salem are 76% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Winston-Salem

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$202

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.6%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.