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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Glendale

California
214

Winston-Salem is 67% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,033/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 103%
$57,673/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 46%
$208,200 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 401%
$1,040/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 113%
250,887
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,062/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $12,744/year.

Median household income is $26,589/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem 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 214 (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 $2,095/month — a difference of $1,062/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Glendale?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $26,589/year higher in Glendale.
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 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 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Glendale details →

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