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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Winston-Salem is 61% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,033/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 121%
$57,673/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 90%
$208,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 234%
$1,040/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 123%
250,887
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,253/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $15,036/year.

Median household income is $51,838/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $1,253/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $51,838/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Rancho Cucamonga

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Rancho Cucamonga vs. Salem Rancho Cucamonga vs. Oceanside Rancho Cucamonga vs. Cary Rancho Cucamonga vs. Clarksville Rancho Cucamonga vs. Santa Rosa Rancho Cucamonga vs. Garden Grove