Can I Afford to Live in Cheyenne vs Winston-Salem on $60K?

Here's how a $60K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Cheyenne, WY
$3,793/mo take-home
Rent: $1,150/mo (30% of take-home)
Manageable
Winston-Salem, NC
$3,568/mo take-home
Rent: $1,300/mo (36% of take-home)
Tight

Monthly budget breakdown

Expense
Cheyenne
WY
Winston-Salem
NC
Monthly take-home (est.)$3,793$3,568
1BR rent$1,150$1,300
Groceries (est.)$365$361
Transport (est.)$35$45
Utilities$148$150
Internet$68$60
Left after essentials$2,027/month$1,652/month
Cheyenne (Wyoming) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Winston-Salem (NC rate: 4.5%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $60K a good salary in Cheyenne?

At $60K/year in Cheyenne, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,793. With 1BR rent around $1,150/month, rent takes up 30% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Is $60K a good salary in Winston-Salem?

At $60K/year in Winston-Salem, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,568. With 1BR rent around $1,300/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Which city is more affordable on a $60K salary?

Cheyenne leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,027/month vs $1,652/month in Winston-Salem.

Can I afford to live alone in Cheyenne on $60K?

Yes. At $60K in Cheyenne, rent takes 30% of your take-home, leaving $2,027/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Cheyenne vs Winston-Salem

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See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only