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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Winston-Salem is 43% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,033/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 64%
$57,673/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 32%
$208,200 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 96%
$1,040/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 68%
250,887
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $18,410/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Lancaster?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Lancaster?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $18,410/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Lancaster details →

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