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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Cape Coral

Florida
114

Winston-Salem is 38% cheaper than Cape Coral.

$1,033/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,751/mo ↑ 70%
$57,673/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$76,062/yr ↑ 32%
$208,200 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$339,200 ↑ 63%
$1,040/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,523/mo ↑ 46%
250,887
Population
206,387

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
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Cape Coral, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 114 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $718/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,616/year.

Median household income is $18,389/year higher in Cape Coral. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $339,200 in Cape Coral.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Cape Coral — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Cape Coral cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 114 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Cape Coral?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Cape Coral it's $1,751/month — a difference of $718/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Cape Coral?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $76,062 in Cape Coral. Median household income is $18,389/year higher in Cape Coral.
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 Cape Coral?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with rent of $1,751/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Cape Coral details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Cape Coral

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Cape Coral vs. Yonkers Cape Coral vs. Worcester Cape Coral vs. Fayetteville Cape Coral vs. Columbus Cape Coral vs. Rochester Cape Coral vs. Salt Lake City