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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Winston-Salem is 25% cheaper than Lehigh Acres.

$1,033/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 45%
$57,673/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↑ 8%
$208,200 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$263,200 ↑ 26%
$1,040/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↑ 28%
250,887
Population
127,391

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
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $4,657/year higher in Lehigh Acres. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $4,657/year higher in Lehigh Acres.
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 Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Lehigh Acres details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Lehigh Acres

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Lehigh Acres vs. Lewisville Lehigh Acres vs. Columbia Lehigh Acres vs. Norman Lehigh Acres vs. Abilene Lehigh Acres vs. Fargo Lehigh Acres vs. Athens