Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Winston-Salem is 22% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,033/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 44%
$57,673/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 17%
$208,200 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 19%
$1,040/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 16%
250,887
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $454/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,448/year.

Median household income is $9,848/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $454/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $9,848/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Palm Bay

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock