Little Rock vs Winston-Salem

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Little Rock has the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Winston-Salem.

Conversely, $75,000 in Winston-Salem equals $75,000 in Little Rock.

Living in Little Rock vs Winston-Salem

Housing Costs

Little Rock's housing index of 62 is lower Winston-Salem's 63, translating to median home prices of $170,000 vs $250,000. The $80,000 difference in home prices means roughly $5,196 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Little Rock compared to $1,050/mo in Winston-Salem, a monthly difference of $100.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 94 in Little Rock and 97 in Winston-Salem. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $447/month in Little Rock vs $461/month in Winston-Salem. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 88 in Little Rock and 99 in Winston-Salem. Monthly utility bills average approximately $352 in Little Rock vs $396 in Winston-Salem. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 90 in Little Rock and 103 in Winston-Salem. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 13-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $47,638 in Little Rock and $52,600 in Winston-Salem. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $56,712 and $62,619 respectively. Winston-Salem residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,112/month to housing in Little Rock vs $1,227/month in Winston-Salem. In Little Rock, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Winston-Salem, median rent of $1,050/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 13 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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