Moving from Milwaukee to Winston-Salem (2026)
Winston-Salem has a COL index of 87 vs 89 for Milwaukee (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Winston-Salem to match your Milwaukee lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Milwaukee | Equivalent in Winston-Salem |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,101 |
| $50K | $48,876 |
| $60K | $58,652 |
| $75K | $73,315 |
| $80K | $78,202 |
| $100K | $97,753 |
| $120K | $117,303 |
| $150K | $146,629 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Milwaukee vs Winston-Salem
| Expense | Milwaukee | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,259 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $72 | $45 |
| Utilities | $168 | $150 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,234 | $2,543 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Winston-Salem cheaper than Milwaukee?
Yes. Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 87 vs 89 for Milwaukee (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Milwaukee to Winston-Salem?
On a $75K salary, moving from Milwaukee to Winston-Salem could save roughly $109/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,308/year.
What salary do I need in Winston-Salem to match my Milwaukee lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Milwaukee, you'd need roughly $73,315/year in Winston-Salem. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only