North Carolina • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Overall cost of living: -9% vs national average

Detailed housing, grocery, healthcare, and utility cost data for Winston-Salem.

Housing
-32% vs avg
Utilities
+11% vs avg
Groceries
-1% vs avg
Transportation
Housing & Utilities
-32% vs avg
Median Home Price
$363,206
Median Rent
$1,090 / month
Energy Bill
$244.56 / month
Phone Bill
$218.18 / month
Gas (per gallon)
$3.11 / gallon
Food & Grocery
-1% vs avg
Loaf of Bread
$4.05
Gallon of Milk
$4.69
Carton of Eggs
$4.63
Bunch of Bananas
$0.76
Hamburger
$5.73
Healthcare
Doctor's Visit
$162.29
Dentist Visit
$130.37
Optometrist Visit
$147.82
Rx Drug
$23.49
Veterinary Visit
$69.53

Winston-Salem in the Context of North Carolina

State Avg Cost Index97.8
State Avg Rent$1,387/mo
State Income Tax4.5%
Cities in State163

Other Cities in North Carolina

About Living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Winston-Salem is located in North Carolina and has an overall cost of living that is -9% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Winston-Salem.

Housing: Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,090 / month, and the median home price is $363,206. Housing costs are -32% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.05), milk ($4.69), and eggs ($4.63) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are -1% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($162.29), dentist visits ($130.37), and prescription drugs ($23.49). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

North Carolina has a state income tax rate of 4.5%, which affects take-home pay for Winston-Salem residents.

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Winston-Salem, North Carolina Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Winston-Salem.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina has an overall cost of living that is -9% the national average. Housing costs are -32% vs the national average. Grocery prices are -1% vs average. Utilities are +11% vs average. This makes Winston-Salem a reasonably affordable city.
The median rent in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $1,090 / month. Average energy bills run $244.56 / month. Phone bills average $218.18 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.
Healthcare costs in Winston-Salem: doctor's visit averages $162.29, dentist visit averages $130.37, prescription drugs average $23.49. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the -1% grocery cost difference.
Winston-Salem is one of 163 cities tracked in North Carolina. With an overall cost -9% vs the national average, it is more affordable than many other cities in the state. Visit our North Carolina state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.
Winston-Salem offers cost of living -9% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $363,206, rent of $1,090 / month, and a state income tax of 4.5% in North Carolina. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Winston-Salem fits your budget.