Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Winston-Salem is 77% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,033/mo ↓ 65%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 189%
$57,673/yr ↓ 67%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 201%
$208,200 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 634%
$1,040/mo ↓ 66%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 193%
250,887
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,952/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $23,424/year.

Median household income is $115,997/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,952/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $115,997/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Santa Clara

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville