Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Winston-Salem is 40% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,033/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 65%
$57,673/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 20%
$208,200 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 78%
$1,040/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 60%
250,887
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $676/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,112/year.

Median household income is $11,588/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $676/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $11,588/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and West Palm Beach

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings