Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Winston-Salem is 47% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,033/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 39%
$57,673/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 19%
$208,200 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 195%
$1,040/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 40%
250,887
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $10,705/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $10,705/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and East Los Angeles

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