Moving from Richmond to Winston-Salem (2026)
Winston-Salem has a COL index of 87 vs 98 for Richmond (100 = US average). You'd pay about 11% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Winston-Salem to match your Richmond lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Richmond | Equivalent in Winston-Salem |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,510 |
| $50K | $44,388 |
| $60K | $53,265 |
| $75K | $66,582 |
| $80K | $71,020 |
| $100K | $88,776 |
| $120K | $106,531 |
| $150K | $133,163 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Richmond vs Winston-Salem
| Expense | Richmond | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $369 | $361 |
| Transport | $70 | $45 |
| Utilities | $155 | $150 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,124 | $2,543 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Winston-Salem cheaper than Richmond?
Yes. Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 87 vs 98 for Richmond (100 = US average). That's about 11% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Richmond to Winston-Salem?
On a $75K salary, moving from Richmond to Winston-Salem could save roughly $338/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,056/year.
What salary do I need in Winston-Salem to match my Richmond lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Richmond, you'd need roughly $66,582/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