Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Glendale, AZ (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Winston-Salem is 31% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,033/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 35%
$57,673/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↑ 22%
$208,200 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$347,000 ↑ 67%
$1,040/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↑ 30%
250,887
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $12,466/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Glendale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Glendale — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Glendale?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Glendale?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $12,466/year higher in Glendale.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Glendale details →