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 $1763 per month.

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

If you earn $75,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $53,839.286 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 $1763 per month, or $21161 per year, based on a $75,000 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 $1.8K/month moving to Winston-Salem, NC

$75.0K in your current city equals $53.8K 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

$1,763

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.2K

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	$5,959/mo	$1,660/mo	↓ $4,299less	72.1%
📦Other	$1,585/mo	$1,226/mo	↓ $359less	22.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,248/mo	$937/mo	↓ $312less	25.0%
🛒Groceries	$908/mo	$747/mo	↓ $160less	17.7%
🏥Healthcare	$536/mo	$468/mo	↓ $67.58less	12.6%
⚡All Utilities	$467/mo	$404/mo	↓ $63.01less	13.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 72.1%

New York, NY

$5,959

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,660

Difference

$4,299

less

📦Other

↓ 22.6%

New York, NY

$1,585

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,226

Difference

$359

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.0%

New York, NY

$1,248

Winston-Salem, NC

$937

Difference

$312

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.7%

New York, NY

$908

Winston-Salem, NC

$747

Difference

$160

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.6%

New York, NY

$536

Winston-Salem, NC

$468

Difference

$67.58

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 13.5%

New York, NY

$467

Winston-Salem, NC

$404

Difference

$63.01

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$2,782/yr (3.7%)

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.

$10,703

Monthly in New York, NY

$5,443

Monthly in Winston-Salem, NC

$5,260

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 $75.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $872

Per year

Monthly Difference

$72.70

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.2%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 13.8%

$8.3K

New York State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$5.7K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$18.5K

Take-Home Pay

$4,707/month

$56.5K

Winston-Salem, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 13.8%

$8.3K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$3.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$5.7K

Total Taxes

Effective: 23.5%

$17.6K

Take-Home Pay

$4,780/month

$57.4K

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.