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Average Rent in Winston-Salem, NC

By Diana Kowalski ยท Reviewed by James Okafor ยท Updated May 2026
ANNUAL AVG
$17,036
MONTHLY
$1,420
VS NATIONAL
-21%
COST INDEX
85

Direct Answer

Average Rent in Winston-Salem, NC averages approximately $17,036/year ($1,420/month) โ€” 21% below the US national average of $21,564. Typical range: $11,073โ€“$24,702 depending on household and provider.

Average Rent Range in Winston-Salem

Budget-Conscious
$11,073/yr
~$923/mo ยท 35% below average
Typical
$17,036/yr
~$1,420/mo ยท what most households spend
Premium
$24,702/yr
~$2,059/mo ยท 45% above average

How Winston-Salem Compares

Winston-Salem's rent cost runs $4,528 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 average rent pricing well below national averages.

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

Average Rent in Top US Cities (Annual)

CityCost IndexAnnual Avgvs. National
Winston-Salem, NC This page85$17,036-21%
New York, NY187$47,829+122%
Los Angeles, CA166$41,489+92%
Chicago, IL107$23,677+10%
Houston, TX96$20,356-6%
Phoenix, AZ103$22,470+4%
View all 300+ cities ranked by rent cost โ†’

How to Save on Average Rent in Winston-Salem

1

Shop providers annually โ€” rent 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, rent cost can vary substantially by area.

3

Time purchases strategically โ€” off-peak periods see lower demand and better pricing for rent 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 rent 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 Average Rent โ€” FAQ

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

The average rent cost in Winston-Salem, NC is approximately $17,036 per year ($1,420/month), based on a cost-of-living index of 85 applied to the national baseline of $21,564.

Is average rent expensive in Winston-Salem?

No โ€” rent cost in Winston-Salem runs about 21% below the US national average, helped by a city-wide cost index of 85. The annual cost is roughly $4,528 less than the national figure.

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

Monthly rent cost in Winston-Salem averages about $1,420. Households typically see $923โ€“$2,059 per month depending on size, provider choice, and lifestyle.

What drives rent cost differences between cities?

Average Rent 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.