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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Winston-Salem is 51% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,033/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 97%
$57,673/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↑ 52%
$208,200 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$461,400 ↑ 122%
$1,040/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 90%
250,887
Population
210,378

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
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,003/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $12,036/year.

Median household income is $29,804/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $1,003/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $29,804/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with rent of $2,036/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Moreno Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Moreno Valley

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