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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Oakland is 175% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,917/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 46%
$97,369/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 41%
$924,700 ↑ 344%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 77%
$2,164/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 52%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $884/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $10,608/year.

Median household income is $39,696/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Oakland 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $884/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $39,696/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Winston-Salem details →

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