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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Winston-Salem is 59% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,033/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 102%
$57,673/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 69%
$208,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 229%
$1,040/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 105%
250,887
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,051/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $12,612/year.

Median household income is $39,737/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $1,051/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $39,737/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Santa Rosa details →

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