Question 1

Is Durham or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Winston-Salem, NC is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $423/month less than in Durham, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,711/mo in Durham versus $1,232/mo in Winston-Salem.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Durham vs Winston-Salem?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $76,500/year before tax in Durham, NC and $67,000/year in Winston-Salem, NC — a difference of about $9,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Durham or Winston-Salem cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Winston-Salem, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,503/month in Durham and $8,377/month in Winston-Salem, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Durham or Winston-Salem?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Winston-Salem costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Durham63	Winston-Salem65
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,138	$3,715
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,503	$8,377
Salary for comfort	$76,500/yr	$67,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,711	$1,232
Median home value	$355,300	$208,200
Median household income	$79,234	$57,673
Unemployment	3.2%	4.1%
Housing score	56	70
Jobs score	65	61
Safety score	35	29
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	28	36
Population	288.5K	250.9K
Summer high / winter low	90° / 31°	89° / 30°

Durham, NC vs Winston-Salem, NC