Cost of Living: Winston-Salem vs Missoula (2026)
Winston-Salem has a 10% lower overall cost of living than Missoula as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,300/mo in Missoula vs $1,300/mo in Winston-Salem — a 0% difference. Winston-Salem has a lower state income tax rate (4.5% vs 6.8%), which adds up over time.
- Winston-Salem is 10% cheaper overall (COL index: 87 vs 97)
- 1BR rent: $1,300/mo in Missoula vs $1,300/mo — 0% savings
- Higher median household income: Missoula ($54,000/yr vs $53,000/yr)
- Median home price: $260,000 in Winston-Salem vs $430,000 — 40% difference
| Category | Winston-Salem North Carolina | Missoula Montana |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,050Best | $1,050 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,300Best | $1,300 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,700Best | $1,750 |
| Median home price | $260KBest | $430K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 95Best | 99 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $13 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $54 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $45Best | $45 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10Best | $3.50 |
| Car insurance/mo | $145 | $135Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $150 | $145Best |
| Internet/mo | $60Best | $68 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $53K | $54KBest |
| State income tax% | 4.5%Best | 6.8% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.0% | 0.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $14.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $35Best | $38 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.50Best | $6.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87Best | 97 |
| Walk score / 100 | 26 | 42Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Winston-Salem cheaper than Missoula?
Yes. Winston-Salem is 10% cheaper than Missoula based on overall cost of living indices (87 vs 97, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Winston-Salem vs Missoula?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Winston-Salem is $1,300/month and in Missoula is $1,300/month. Winston-Salem is more expensive by 0%.
How much do I need to earn in Missoula to match a $75,000 salary in Winston-Salem?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $83,621/year in Missoula to match a $75,000 salary in Winston-Salem. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Winston-Salem or Missoula?
Winston-Salem has the lower state income tax rate at 4.5% vs 6.8%. The difference is 2.3 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Winston-Salem to Missoula?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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