Moving from Raleigh to Winston-Salem (2026)
Winston-Salem has a COL index of 87 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Winston-Salem to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Winston-Salem |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,455 |
| $50K | $43,069 |
| $60K | $51,683 |
| $75K | $64,604 |
| $80K | $68,911 |
| $100K | $86,139 |
| $120K | $103,366 |
| $150K | $129,208 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Winston-Salem
| Expense | Raleigh | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $365 | $361 |
| Transport | $70 | $45 |
| Utilities | $150 | $150 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,543 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $429 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Raleigh — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Winston-Salem cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 87 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Winston-Salem?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Winston-Salem saves roughly $400/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,800/year.
What salary do I need in Winston-Salem to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $64,604/year in Winston-Salem. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only