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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Visalia

California
104

Winston-Salem is 32% cheaper than Visalia.

$1,033/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 35%
$57,673/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$79,952/yr ↑ 39%
$208,200 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 64%
$1,040/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ↑ 45%
250,887
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $22,279/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Visalia — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Visalia?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Visalia?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $22,279/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Visalia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Visalia

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Visalia vs. Thornton Visalia vs. Waco Visalia vs. Torrance Visalia vs. Fullerton Visalia vs. Gainesville Visalia vs. Metairie