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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Winston-Salem is 69% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,033/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 150%
$57,673/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 133%
$208,200 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 357%
$1,040/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 162%
250,887
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,547/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $18,564/year.

Median household income is $76,694/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,547/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $76,694/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Thousand Oaks

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian