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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Winston-Salem is 60% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,033/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 91%
$57,673/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 56%
$208,200 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 268%
$1,040/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 94%
250,887
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $938/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $11,256/year.

Median household income is $32,493/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $938/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $32,493/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Garden 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 Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins