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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Winston-Salem is 12% cheaper than Gainesville.

$1,033/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 18%
$57,673/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 21%
$208,200 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 13%
$1,040/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↑ 12%
250,887
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $12,062/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Gainesville?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Gainesville?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $12,062/year higher in Winston-Salem.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

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