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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Ontario

California
152

Winston-Salem is 53% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,033/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 85%
$57,673/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 44%
$208,200 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 173%
$1,040/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 89%
250,887
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $883/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $10,596/year.

Median household income is $25,133/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Ontario — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Ontario?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $883/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Ontario?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $25,133/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Ontario

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa