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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Tampa is 59% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,567/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 34%
$71,302/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 19%
$375,300 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 45%
$1,553/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 33%
393,389
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $13,629/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Tampa 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 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $13,629/year higher in Tampa.
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 Tampa or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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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