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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Winston-Salem is 69% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,033/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 135%
$57,673/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 108%
$208,200 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 403%
$1,040/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 134%
250,887
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,391/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $16,692/year.

Median household income is $62,212/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,391/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $62,212/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Huntington Beach details →

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