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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Winston-Salem is 79% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,033/mo ↓ 66%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 197%
$57,673/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 215%
$208,200 ↓ 89%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 773%
$1,040/mo ↓ 66%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 190%
250,887
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,032/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $24,384/year.

Median household income is $124,189/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $2,032/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $124,189/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Sunnyvale details →

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