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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Tucson is 7% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,079/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 4%
$54,546/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↑ 6%
$242,200 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 14%
$1,076/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 3%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,127/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Tucson 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 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $3,127/year higher in Winston-Salem.
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 Tucson or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Winston-Salem details →

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