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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Winston-Salem is 69% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,033/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 132%
$57,673/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 91%
$208,200 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 407%
$1,040/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 137%
250,887
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,362/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $16,344/year.

Median household income is $52,400/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,362/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $52,400/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Costa Mesa

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria