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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.2K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
15.7%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,180
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$14.2K
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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:116
Median Home:$489K

Winston-Salem, NC

The Tar Heel State

250K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Music City USA
  • Country music capital
  • Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Winston-Salem, NC vs Nashville, TN

🏠Housing
24.4%
Winston-Salem, NC
$2,131
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$520
more
📦Other
23.4%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,574
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$368
more
🚗Transportation
6.8%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,202
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$81.96
more
🛒Groceries
1.0%
Winston-Salem, NC
$959
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$9.99
less
🏥Healthcare
1.0%
Winston-Salem, NC
$601
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$6.20
more
All Utilities
0.0%
Winston-Salem, NC
$519
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$0
same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,065
To$1,600
$535
1 Bed
From$1,155
To$1,680
$525
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$1,840
$525
3 Bed
From$1,715
To$2,350
$635
Winston-Salem, NCZIP-level data

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

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320$2,230/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
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$966
Difference

Home Values

Winston-Salem
Nashville
$254K
Median Value
$489K
↑ +0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -2.1%
↑ +37.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.1%
$168K - $363K
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 93% 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
$7.1K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$594
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.7%
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

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Tennessee State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Winston-Salem, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%
Property Tax:0.7%

💡 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
Nashville
47 Good
Air Quality
50 Good
57.4%
Good Air Days
51.6%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🫨🌪
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days

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

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Nashville, TN

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