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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Winston-Salem is 38% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,033/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 65%
$57,673/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↑ 6%
$208,200 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 62%
$1,040/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 58%
250,887
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $676/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,112/year.

Median household income is $3,306/year higher in Miami Gardens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $676/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $3,306/year higher in Miami Gardens.
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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Miami Gardens

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula