Key factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Winston-Salemtoggle

The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Detroit to Winston-Salem might cost just $1,449 for a one-bedroom, but up to $8,265 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $532 and $1,384, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Winston-Salem

Moving from Detroit to Winston-Salem means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Detroit than in Winston-Salem, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Detroit compares to Winston-Salem so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Detroit Winston-Salem
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,300
Average home value $73,156 $248,806
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $62,431
Cost of living (single person) $2,500 $2,420
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,687 $5,265
Unemployment rate 9.06% 5.2%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.0%
State income tax 4.25% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Winston-Salem are 4% higher than in Detroit, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
    Home prices in Winston-Salem are 240.1% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Winston-Salem is 65.3% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Winston-Salem include Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Novant Health, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Winston-Salem is 3.2% lower than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Winston-Salem is 21.3% lower than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Winston-Salem is 42.60% lower than in Detroit.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Winston-Salem, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Winston-Salem are 16.67% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Winston-Salem are 5.88% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,904.00 in Winston-Salem to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Detroit
Population 249,545 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 7
Walkability score 22 51
Bike friendliness score 29 52
Crime Index 32.67 72.92
Safety Index 67.33 27.08
Air Quality Good Good
  • Winston-Salem might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 61% less than Detroit.
  • Getting around Winston-Salem without a car might be more difficult than in Detroit. Winston-Salem has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Detroit is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Winston-Salem neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Detroit. Based on its score of 22 out of 100, Winston-Salem isnโ€™t as walkable as Detroit, which has a score of 51 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Winston-Salem, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Detroit. While Detroit has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, Winston-Salem earned a 29. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • Winston-Salem has a lower crime rate than Detroit based on scores of 32.67 and Detroit's 72.92, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Winston-Salem than in Detroit, based on Winston-Salemโ€™s safety index of 67.33 versus 27.08 for Detroit. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Winston-Salem and Detroit is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Winston-Salem move

  • Weather: Climate in Winston-Salem is unlikely to affect your move but a freezing day in the winter could affect the conditions of the roads.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: North Carolina doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Winston-Salem. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Winston-Salem

Ready to relocate to "Camel City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Winston-Salem.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • West End
  • Ardmore
  • Buena Vista
  • Old Salem
  • Washington Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Sherwood Forest
  • Ardmore
  • Buena Vista
  • West Highlands
  • West Salem

Things to do in Winston-Salem

After settling into your new North Carolina home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Winston-Salem has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Winston-Salem is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Frank L Horton Museum Center, Kaleideum Downtown, Kaleideum North, and Reynolda House Museum of American Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s REYNOLDA ESTATE, SALEM LAKE, QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, and POLO PARK โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA), Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East), Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL), or Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Detroit to Winston-Salem?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Detroit to Winston-Salem. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Detroit.

When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Winston-Salem?

Because spring and fall moves from Detroit to Winston-Salem are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Detroit to Winston-Salem take?

Covering 577 miles, the move from Detroit, MI to Winston-Salem, NC typically takes one to six days. Some Detroit movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWinston-Salem can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources