Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Miami is 82% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,657/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 38%
$59,390/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 3%
$475,200 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 56%
$1,666/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 38%
446,663
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $624/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,488/year.

Median household income is $1,717/year higher in Miami. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Miami 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 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $624/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $1,717/year higher in Miami.
How do taxes compare between Florida and North Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Winston-Salem details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Miami and Winston-Salem

Miami vs. Virginia Beach Miami vs. Oakland Miami vs. Long Beach Miami vs. Minneapolis Miami vs. Raleigh Miami vs. Tulsa Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale