Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Gilbert is 108% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$2,028/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 49%
$121,351/yr ↑ 110%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 52%
$518,600 ↑ 149%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 60%
$1,908/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 45%
271,118
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $995/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $11,940/year.

Median household income is $63,678/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Gilbert 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 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $995/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $63,678/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Winston-Salem details →

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