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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $674/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.1K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
9.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$674
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$8.1K
Per year

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

Winston-Salem, NC

Population:250K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$254K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K
Cost Index:109
Median Home:$399K

Winston-Salem, NC

The Tar Heel State

250K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Major banking center
  • NASCAR headquarters
  • Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Winston-Salem, NC vs Charlotte, NC

🏠Housing
15.9%
Winston-Salem, NC
$2,131
Charlotte, NC
$2,469
Difference
$338
more
📦Other
8.5%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,574
Charlotte, NC
$1,707
Difference
$134
more
🏥Healthcare
6.2%
Winston-Salem, NC
$601
Charlotte, NC
$638
Difference
$37.17
more
🛒Groceries
3.1%
Winston-Salem, NC
$959
Charlotte, NC
$989
Difference
$29.98
more
🚗Transportation
0.0%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,202
Charlotte, NC
$1,202
Difference
$0
same
All Utilities
0.0%
Winston-Salem, NC
$519
Charlotte, NC
$519
Difference
$0
same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,065
To$1,630
$565
1 Bed
From$1,155
To$1,710
$555
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$1,870
$555
3 Bed
From$1,715
To$2,300
$585
Winston-Salem, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $960$1,260/mo

Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340$2,310/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.

$6,986
Monthly in Winston-Salem, NC
$7,525
Monthly in Charlotte, NC
$539
Difference

Home Values

Winston-Salem
Charlotte
$254K
Median Value
$399K
↑ +0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -1.1%
↑ +37.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +40.8%
$168K - $363K
Price Range
$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 57% more expensive than Winston-Salem

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

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

Charlotte, 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

Winston-Salem, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Charlotte, 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.

Environment

Winston-Salem
Charlotte
47 Good
Air Quality
51 Moderate
57.4%
Good Air Days
46.2%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.9°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
36 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.9°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
36 days

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Charlotte, NC

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