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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Orange

California
206

Winston-Salem is 66% cheaper than Orange.

$1,033/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 118%
$57,673/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 103%
$208,200 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 333%
$1,040/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 130%
250,887
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,219/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $14,628/year.

Median household income is $59,272/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Orange — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Orange?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,219/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Orange?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $59,272/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Orange

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City