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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Modesto

California
120

Winston-Salem is 41% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,033/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 56%
$57,673/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 35%
$208,200 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 100%
$1,040/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 55%
250,887
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $20,226/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Modesto — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Modesto?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $576/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Modesto?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $20,226/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Modesto

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley