Mercer, a global organization for gathering information on human resources, released its latest survey (updated June 29, 2010), ranking the least and the most expensive cities in the world. The survey correlates expatriate living expenses with standards in the home country or state. Only one city in America made the least of least expensive cities, Winston Salem, North Carolina. Criteria include cost of living and lifestyle, with an emphasis on housing costs. These surveys are useful to global corporations seeking to establish a presence in a city.

Factors Favorable to Winston Salem

Winston Salem is part of a three-city metropolitan area known as the Piedmont Triad. Winston Salem’s current population of 228,362 has an annual growth rate of 1.5%. Per capita income, based on 2007 figures, stands at $35,481. (Winston Salem Chamber of Commerce)

Winston Salem’s past revolved around R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and manufacturers like Hanesbrands. Today, the three largest employers are Wake Forest University, Baptist Medical Center, and Novant Health which manages Forsyth Medical Center. Wachovia Bank, now part of Wells Fargo, ranked on the list of top ten employers in 2009. (North Carolina Employment Security Commission)