Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Peoria, AZ (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Peoria

Arizona
125

Winston-Salem is 43% cheaper than Peoria.

$1,033/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,743/mo ↑ 69%
$57,673/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$93,403/yr ↑ 62%
$208,200 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$429,400 ↑ 106%
$1,040/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,589/mo ↑ 53%
250,887
Population
194,338

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Peoria, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 125 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $710/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,520/year.

Median household income is $35,730/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $429,400 in Peoria.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Peoria — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 125 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Peoria?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Peoria it's $1,743/month — a difference of $710/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Peoria?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $93,403 in Peoria. Median household income is $35,730/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 125 with rent of $1,743/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Peoria

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Peoria vs. Huntington Beach Peoria vs. Knoxville Peoria vs. Overland Park Peoria vs. Vancouver Peoria vs. Sioux Falls Peoria vs. Glendale