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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Winston-Salem is 35% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,033/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 39%
$57,673/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↑ 11%
$208,200 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 85%
$1,040/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 42%
250,887
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $6,315/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $6,315/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and San Bernardino

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley