Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Winston-Salem is 37% cheaper than Port St. Lucie.

$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↑ 72%
$57,673/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↑ 35%
$208,200 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$327,700 ↑ 57%
$1,040/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↑ 45%
250,887
Population
220,453

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
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $748/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,976/year.

Median household income is $20,464/year higher in Port St. Lucie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $748/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $20,464/year higher in Port St. Lucie.
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 Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Port St. Lucie details →

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