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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Winston-Salem is 58% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,033/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 111%
$57,673/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 112%
$208,200 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 190%
$1,040/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 114%
250,887
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,147/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $13,764/year.

Median household income is $64,556/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,147/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $64,556/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Elk Grove

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem