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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Santa Ana is 130% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,975/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 48%
$88,354/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 35%
$657,800 ↑ 216%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 68%
$1,965/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 47%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $942/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $11,304/year.

Median household income is $30,681/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $942/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $30,681/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Winston-Salem details →

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