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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Hayward

California
200

Winston-Salem is 64% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,033/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 128%
$57,673/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 97%
$208,200 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 294%
$1,040/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 133%
250,887
Population
159,201

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,327/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $15,924/year.

Median household income is $56,102/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Hayward — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Hayward?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,327/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Hayward?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $56,102/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Hayward

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro