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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Winston-Salem is 34% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,033/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 64%
$57,673/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 34%
$208,200 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$293,800 ↑ 41%
$1,040/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 49%
250,887
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $658/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,896/year.

Median household income is $19,395/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Brandon — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Brandon?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $658/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Brandon?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $19,395/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Brandon details →

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