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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Winston-Salem is 72% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,033/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 106%
$57,673/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 88%
$208,200 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 549%
$1,040/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 125%
250,887
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,094/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $13,128/year.

Median household income is $50,885/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Berkeley?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,094/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Berkeley?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $50,885/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Berkeley details →

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