City vs city
Chesapeake, VA vs Winston-Salem, NC
- Rent is 46% lower in Winston-Salem (median $1,087/mo vs $1,586/mo in Chesapeake).
- Homes cost 62% less in Winston-Salem ($234k vs $378k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $584 more a month after taxes and rent in Winston-Salem.
- Schools rate higher in Chesapeake (7.1/10 vs 5.1/10).
- Chesapeake has less violent crime (3.2 vs 7.4 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
| Chesapeake | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,586/mo | $1,087/mo |
| Median home value | $378k | $234k |
| Median household income | $95k | $59k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,255 | $3,839 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 7.1/10 | 5.1/10 |
| Violent crime | 11% below the US rate | 2.1× the US rate |
| Summer average | 89°F | 88°F |
| Winter average | 42°F | 40°F |
| Sunny days a year | 196 | 193 |
| Walk score | 53 | 38 |
| Population | 252,583 | 252,037 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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