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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

San Francisco is 276% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$2,419/mo ↑ 134%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 57%
$141,446/yr ↑ 145%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 59%
$1,380,500 ↑ 563%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 85%
$2,620/mo ↑ 152%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 60%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,386/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $16,632/year.

Median household income is $83,773/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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

San Francisco vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $1,386/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $83,773/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Winston-Salem details →

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