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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Los Angeles is 163% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,879/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 45%
$80,366/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 28%
$879,500 ↑ 322%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 76%
$2,055/mo ↑ 98%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 49%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $846/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $10,152/year.

Median household income is $22,693/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $846/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $22,693/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Winston-Salem details →

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