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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Phoenix is 54% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,458/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 29%
$77,041/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 25%
$381,900 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 45%
$1,430/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 27%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $425/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,100/year.

Median household income is $19,368/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $425/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $19,368/year higher in Phoenix.
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 Phoenix or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Winston-Salem details →

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