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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Fresno is 42% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,324/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
$66,804/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 14%
$348,500 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 40%
$1,391/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 25%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $9,131/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 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

Fresno vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $9,131/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Winston-Salem details →

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