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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Downey

California
169

Winston-Salem is 58% cheaper than Downey.

$1,033/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 83%
$57,673/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 52%
$208,200 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 250%
$1,040/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 92%
250,887
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $859/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $10,308/year.

Median household income is $29,727/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Downey — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Downey?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $859/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Downey?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $29,727/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Downey details →

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