With Winston-Salem constantly growing and announcing high-profile developments, we figured it was time to talk about the cost of planting some roots in the City of Arts and Innovation.
The median household income in Forsyth County is $61,229, according to the latest data from the US Census Bureau. State-wise, North Carolina is No. 39 in the country for median income at ~$61,972 per household.
The overall cost of living in Winston-Salem is lower than both the average in NC and the national average.
The overall cost of living in Winston-Salem is lower than the national average, and lower than the state average.
In the Twin City, the cost of health care is lower compared to other parts of the state + the US. The cost of groceries, housing, and transportation in the city have lower average costs than other cities in NC and the country overall. However, miscellaneous expenses like meals at restaurants, personal care, entertainment, and costs associated with education are higher in Winston-Salem than in other parts of NC or the US.
Breaking down the numbers
Hypothetically speaking, if you live in a household that brings in ~$61,200, your max monthly budget for rent and utilities would be about $1,530 (30% of your monthly gross income). The average monthly rent for a 915-sqft apartment in Winston-Salem is $1,212 — nearing the top of your budget.
Meanwhile, if you’re wondering how much you can currently afford to spend on buying a home in Winston-Salem, try using SmartAsset’s cost calculator. Factors like your marital status, annual pre-tax income, down payment, and monthly debt will help determine that figure. According to BestPlaces, the median home cost in the Twin City is $229,400.
What would you tell someone who is considering moving here about the cost of living?
A. This is a really affordable city to live
B. Prices are reasonable — not exorbitant, not cheap
C. Prepare yourself for sticker shock — it’s expensive
Karaoke Night | Thursday, July 11 | 7-9 p.m. | Miller’s On Trade, 622 Trade St. NW, Winston-Salem | Free entry | Choose a song from various genres and showcase your inner superstar.
Sunset Salutations | Thursday, July 11 | 6-7 p.m. | Bailey Park, 445 Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem | Free | Stretch and strengthen your body with 2B Yoga — bring a yoga mat and water.
Friday, July 12
Candle Making Workshop | Friday, July 12 | 6-7 p.m. | Lizzie’s All Natural Products, LLC, 101 N. Chestnut St., Ste. 113, Winston-Salem | $42 | Craft your own soy wax candle, enjoy complimentary mimosas, and get the chance to win raffle prizes.
Saturday, July 13
Cars and Coffee: Rolls Royce + Bentley | Saturday, July 13 | 9-11 a.m. | SECCA (NC Museum of Art, Winston-Salem), 750 Marguerite Dr., Winston-Salem | Free | Bring your luxury automobile for others to admire or bring the family to check out the cars.
Sunday, July 14
Brunch and Bachata | Sunday, July 14 | 1-4 p.m. | Pink Moon Cafe, 848 W. 5th St., Winston-Salem | $8-$22 | Indulge in breakfast dishes and dance to bachata music.
You’re invited to the hose uncoupling (like a ribbon cutting) for Fire Station 3 today, July 11 at 10 a.m. The new $4.7 million station at 2973 N. Liberty St. serves areas along US 52, including the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds + Smith Reynolds Airport.
Biz
Winston-Salem based Plakous Therapeutics has received a $3 million small business innovation grant from the National Institutes of Health. The money will go toward research + commercializing the startup’s Protego-PD, which prevents a rare gastrointestinal disease that mostly affects premature infants. (Triad Business Journal)
Shop
Stock up on clothing essentials at the Hanesbrands Champion Back to Campus Warehouse Sale. The event — where all items cost $10 or less — starts Thursday, July 18 and runs through Monday, July 22 at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Event Center (569 Fairgrounds Blvd.).
Drink
Taste four Spanish wines at Little Pep tonight, July 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring $5 to the event at the wine bar at 533 N. Trade St.
Listen
The Winston-Salem Choral Artists has announced their second season. The group’s 2024-2025 season begins Oct. 12 with “Rejoice!” featuring music from Bach, Mozart, Britten, and Rutter. The final Masterworks Concert will be held May 4, 2025 with local high school and youth choruses.
Kids
Give your budding musician a place to practice this summer. The 4th annual Fernando Jones’ Blues Camp NC is happening Monday, Aug. 5 through Friday, Aug. 9. The camp blends blues instruction with hands-on activities — children aged 12 to 18 can attend for free but registration is required.
Sports
Rising Mount Tabor High School senior and football standout JaDon Blair has committed to Notre Dame for 2025. The four-star recruit is the fifth-ranked player in NC and the No. 13 ranked high school football safety in the US. (FOX8 WGHP)
State
The most expensive home sale in NC history has been completed. A 6,700-sqft mansion on Figure Eight Island in Wilmington was recently sold for $13.9 million. It was built in 2019 and has five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. (WFMY News 2)
Health
Cholesterol is kind of like golf — the lower your total score, the better. But do you really need to watch those numbers? Novant Health physicians share everything you need to know about cholesterol (think: dangers, heart risk, the verdict on eggs + more).*
Sports
Football season is right around the corner. Do you have tickets yet? Hint: Single-game tickets for the 2024 season are on sale. This year, fans have seven exciting opportunities to watch the Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium this fall. Go Deacs.*
Finance
If your last credit card bill sent a chill down your spine — even in this heat — it might be time for a balance transfer. The Ascent recommends these four cards with 0% APR for up to 18 months. (You could have almost two years to avoid interest charges.)*
Wellness
“The clarity is insane.” That’s what we’re hearing (loud and clear) about this best-selling hearing device. It makes conversation effortless, even in background noise. Join 350,000+ happy customers with a no-risk trial.*
Try This
Make your big screen debut
How to become a background actor in a movie being filmed in Winston-Salem
The production company’s film “Days of August” was shot last summer in Winston-Salem. | Photo by Syd Long via 1716 Digital
Lights, camera, action. You could be a background actor in the coming-of-age drama “Space Cowboy” that will be filmed in the Twin City. The feature-length film from NC-based production company 1716 Digital is about two friends on a high school soccer team who struggle with addiction and loss.
Filmmakers are looking for talent of all ages and ethnicities who are available July 22 through Aug. 10. You won’t receive payment and you probably won’t see your name in lights but you’ll get credit on screen + on IMDb. Interested? Here’s what you need to email producers by Thursday, July 18:
Name
Age
Pronouns
Headshot
Availability on filming dates
Background actors chosen for roles will be notified by Sunday, July 21. A release date for the film hasn’t been announced yet.
The Buy
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You’ve got two opportunities this month to enjoy dinner with live music in Bailey Park. Picnic in the Park is happening Wednesday, July 17 with local band Tupelo Crush performing. Gia Roxx will perform on Saturday, July 27. If you’re looking for more spots to dine outdoors, check out our guide to outdoor dining.
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