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Groceries Cost in Winston-Salem, NC

By Sarah Chen ยท Reviewed by James Okafor ยท Updated May 2026
ANNUAL AVG
$5,155
MONTHLY
$430
VS NATIONAL
-10%
COST INDEX
85

Direct Answer

Groceries Cost in Winston-Salem, NC averages approximately $5,155/year ($430/month) โ€” 10% below the US national average of $5,760. Typical range: $3,351โ€“$7,475 depending on household and provider.

Groceries Cost Range in Winston-Salem

Budget-Conscious
$3,351/yr
~$279/mo ยท 35% below average
Typical
$5,155/yr
~$430/mo ยท what most households spend
Premium
$7,475/yr
~$623/mo ยท 45% above average

How Winston-Salem Compares

Winston-Salem's grocery cost runs $605 less per year than the US national average. With a cost-of-living index of 85, Winston-Salem is positioned among the more affordable US markets, with groceries cost pricing well below national averages.

โ„น More expensive nearby: Cary, NC (85 mi) costs more โ€” index 104.

Groceries Cost in Top US Cities (Annual)

CityCost IndexAnnual Avgvs. National
Winston-Salem, NC This page85$5,155-10%
New York, NY187$9,268+61%
Los Angeles, CA166$8,421+46%
Chicago, IL107$6,042+5%
Houston, TX96$5,599-3%
Phoenix, AZ103$5,881+2%
View all 300+ cities ranked by grocery cost โ†’

How to Save on Groceries Cost in Winston-Salem

1

Shop providers annually โ€” grocery cost pricing in Winston-Salem varies meaningfully between vendors; getting 3 quotes typically saves 10-25%.

2

Consider neighboring zip codes โ€” even within NC, grocery cost can vary substantially by area.

3

Time purchases strategically โ€” off-peak periods see lower demand and better pricing for grocery cost.

4

Bundle services where possible โ€” many providers in Winston-Salem discount combined services 10-20%.

5

Use city-specific assistance programs โ€” Winston-Salem and NC may offer income-based reductions for grocery cost; check with local consumer-affairs offices.

Other Costs in Winston-Salem

See how other major expenses look in Winston-Salem, NC.

See the full Winston-Salem cost-of-living profile โ†’

Winston-Salem Groceries Cost โ€” FAQ

What is the average grocery cost in Winston-Salem, NC?

The average grocery cost in Winston-Salem, NC is approximately $5,155 per year ($430/month), based on a cost-of-living index of 85 applied to the national baseline of $5,760.

Is groceries cost expensive in Winston-Salem?

No โ€” grocery cost in Winston-Salem runs about 10% below the US national average, helped by a city-wide cost index of 85. The annual cost is roughly $605 less than the national figure.

How much does grocery cost cost per month in Winston-Salem?

Monthly grocery cost in Winston-Salem averages about $430. Households typically see $279โ€“$623 per month depending on size, provider choice, and lifestyle.

What drives grocery cost differences between cities?

Groceries Cost pricing tracks local labor markets, commercial real-estate costs, and regulatory environments. Cities with higher overall cost-of-living indices (like 85 for Winston-Salem) systematically see higher service prices. Local competition, climate, and demand-supply balance also play significant roles.