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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.8K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $171.2K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
23.6%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,770
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$21.2K
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

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:124
Median Home:$513K

Winston-Salem, NC

The Tar Heel State

250K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • Outdoor recreation hub
  • Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Winston-Salem, NC vs Denver, CO

🏠Housing
52.4%
Winston-Salem, NC
$2,131
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,117
more
🚗Transportation
21.6%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,202
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$260
more
📦Other
12.8%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,574
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$201
more
🛒Groceries
7.3%
Winston-Salem, NC
$959
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$69.95
more
🏥Healthcare
5.2%
Winston-Salem, NC
$601
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$30.98
more
All Utilities
0.0%
Winston-Salem, NC
$519
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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$1,065
To$1,720
$655
1 Bed
From$1,155
To$1,840
$685
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$2,190
$875
3 Bed
From$1,715
To$2,870
$1,155
Winston-Salem, NCZIP-level data

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

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620$2,540/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
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$1,679
Difference

Home Values

Winston-Salem
Denver
$254K
Median Value
$513K
↑ +0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -4.2%
↑ +37.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +13%
$168K - $363K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 102% 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
$525
Per year
Monthly Difference
$43.75
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.4%
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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Colorado State Tax
Effective: 4.4%
$6.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.1%
$43.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,866/month
$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Winston-Salem, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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
Denver
47 Good
Air Quality
55 Moderate
57.4%
Good Air Days
35.2%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
95 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between North Carolina and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Denver, CO

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