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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Irvine is 261% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$2,893/mo ↑ 180%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 64%
$129,647/yr ↑ 125%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 56%
$1,115,400 ↑ 436%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 81%
$2,904/mo ↑ 179%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 64%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,860/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $22,320/year.

Median household income is $71,974/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $1,860/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $71,974/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Winston-Salem details →

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