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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Fremont

California
278

Winston-Salem is 74% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,033/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 181%
$57,673/yr ↓ 67%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 206%
$208,200 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 519%
$1,040/mo ↓ 65%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 188%
250,887
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,872/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $22,464/year.

Median household income is $118,677/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Fremont — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Fremont?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,872/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Fremont?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $118,677/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Fremont details →

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