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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Mesa is 51% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,478/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 30%
$78,779/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 27%
$364,300 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 43%
$1,404/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 26%
507,478
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $21,106/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Mesa 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 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $21,106/year higher in Mesa.
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 Mesa or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Winston-Salem details →

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