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Winston-Salem, NC Utility & Living Guide
Winston-Salem is a city in Forsyth County, North Carolina, United States, and its county seat. It is the fifth-most populous city in North Carolina and 90th-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 249,545 at the 2020 census. The Winston-Salem metropolitan area has an estimated
Monthly Utility Costs
$120/mo
$50/mo
$45/mo
$25/mo
$65/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1200/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1600/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2100/mo |
| Median Home Price | $320,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.2% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1000 |
The housing market in Winston-Salem is growing steadily, with a mix of historic homes and new developments. Prices remain more affordable than in larger North Carolina cities like Charlotte or Raleigh.
Cost of Living
105
+5% above national average
102
98
100
$1000
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 7.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.2% |
| <p>State 4.75% + County 2.25% + City 0.5%</p> | |
North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.75%.
Family & Relocation
50
6.5/10
$1000/mo
City Pulse
Public transit is limited but improving, with some bus routes offering wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
- SciWorks
- Kaleideum
- Tanglewood Park
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Winston-Salem based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Residents must register pets with the city and adhere to noise ordinances. Short-term rentals require a permit.
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.
📊 Winston-Salem — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Summer months see higher electricity costs due to air conditioning, while winter months bring increased gas usage for heating. Spring and fall typically have lower utility bills.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by ZIP, with no local surtaxes specific to Winston-Salem county.
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
7/10 with explanation: Sidewalks are common in downtown and residential areas, parks are accessible, but public transit options for strollers are limited.
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