Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Winston-Salem is 13% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,033/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 26%
$57,673/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 6%
$208,200 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 10%
$1,040/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 10%
250,887
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $3,274/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Lakeland?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Lakeland?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $3,274/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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