Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Winston-Salem is 46% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 72%
$57,673/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 39%
$208,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 119%
$1,040/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 71%
250,887
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $743/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,916/year.

Median household income is $22,262/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $743/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $22,262/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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