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

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Orlando is 62% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,650/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 37%
$69,268/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 17%
$359,000 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 42%
$1,621/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 36%
311,732
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $617/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,404/year.

Median household income is $11,595/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Orlando 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 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $617/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $11,595/year higher in Orlando.
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 Orlando or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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.
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