Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Winston-Salem is 44% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,033/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 86%
$57,673/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 62%
$208,200 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 90%
$1,040/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 53%
250,887
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $884/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $10,608/year.

Median household income is $35,698/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Surprise — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Surprise?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $884/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Surprise?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $35,698/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Surprise

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite