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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Winston-Salem is 32% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,033/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 49%
$57,673/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 12%
$208,200 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 57%
$1,040/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 36%
250,887
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $6,767/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Clearwater?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Clearwater?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $6,767/year higher in Clearwater.
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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Clearwater details →

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