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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Winston-Salem is 72% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,033/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 159%
$57,673/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 142%
$208,200 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 456%
$1,040/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 169%
250,887
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,645/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $19,740/year.

Median household income is $81,653/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,645/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $81,653/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Carlsbad

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin