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Rent vs Buy in Winston-Salem, NC

Pre-filled with 2026 median data for Winston-Salem. Adjust any number to match your situation.

Median Home Price

$265,000

Median Rent/Month

$1,400

Property Tax Rate

0.84%/yr

Avg Appreciation

2.8%/yr

Adjust Your Numbers

$265,000
20% ($53,000)
$1,400
7.0%
7 years

Is It Worth Buying a Home in Winston-Salem, NC?

The decision to rent or buy in Winston-Salem, North Carolina depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and current mortgage rates. With a median home price of $265,000 and median monthly rent of $1,400, the math plays out differently depending on your personal situation.

Winston-Salem has an average property tax rate of 0.84% annually, which adds approximately $186/month to the cost of homeownership on a median-priced home.

Historically, home values in Winston-Salem have appreciated at roughly 2.8% per year, which works in favor of buyers who plan to stay long-term. Use the calculator above to find your personal break-even point.

Key Factors for Winston-Salem Buyers

  • Down payment of 20% on a median home = $53,000
  • Monthly mortgage (30yr at 6.99%) ≈ $1,409/mo
  • Property tax ≈ $186/mo
  • Estimated maintenance ≈ $221/mo