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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Winston-Salem is 55% cheaper than Oxnard.

$1,033/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↑ 90%
$57,673/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↑ 62%
$208,200 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$617,800 ↑ 197%
$1,040/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↑ 90%
250,887
Population
201,014

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
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $929/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $11,148/year.

Median household income is $35,699/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Oxnard?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $929/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Oxnard?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $35,699/year higher in Oxnard.
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 Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with rent of $1,962/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Oxnard details →

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