Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Anaheim is 156% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$2,082/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 50%
$90,583/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 36%
$771,700 ↑ 271%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 73%
$2,165/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 52%
344,553
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,049/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $12,588/year.

Median household income is $32,910/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Anaheim or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $1,049/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $32,910/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Winston-Salem details →

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