Cary, NC vs Winston-Salem, NC: Cost of Living Comparison
Winston-Salem has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Cary | Winston-Salem | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 139 | 77 | Winston-Salem |
| Housing | 151 ($1,135) | 60 ($723) | Winston-Salem |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Cary |
| Food & groceries | 173 ($709) | 77 ($316) | Winston-Salem |
| Utilities | 126 ($272) | 80 ($108) | Winston-Salem |
| Healthcare | 126 ($196) | 80 ($78) | Winston-Salem |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,970) | 99 ($47,970) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cary, NC or Winston-Salem, NC cheaper to live in?
Winston-Salem, NC is cheaper overall by about 62 index points (Cary, NC: 139, Winston-Salem, NC: 77; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Cary, NC vs Winston-Salem, NC?
A single adult needs roughly $48,650/year in Cary, NC and $26,950/year in Winston-Salem, NC to cover basic living costs.