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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Corona

California
173

Winston-Salem is 59% cheaper than Corona.

$1,033/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,136/mo ↑ 107%
$57,673/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$106,438/yr ↑ 85%
$208,200 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$656,500 ↑ 215%
$1,040/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,280/mo ↑ 119%
250,887
Population
158,839

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Corona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,103/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $13,236/year.

Median household income is $48,765/year higher in Corona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $656,500 in Corona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Corona — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Corona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Corona?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Corona it's $2,136/month — a difference of $1,103/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Corona?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $106,438 in Corona. Median household income is $48,765/year higher in Corona.
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 Corona?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Corona has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,136/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Corona details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Corona

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Corona vs. Hayward Corona vs. Paterson Corona vs. Salinas Corona vs. Murfreesboro Corona vs. Palmdale Corona vs. Alexandria