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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Winston-Salem is 64% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,033/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 141%
$57,673/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 108%
$208,200 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 246%
$1,040/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 155%
250,887
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,453/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $17,436/year.

Median household income is $62,253/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,453/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $62,253/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

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