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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Winston-Salem is 48% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,033/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 78%
$57,673/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 47%
$208,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 130%
$1,040/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 72%
250,887
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $809/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $9,708/year.

Median household income is $26,944/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $809/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $26,944/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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