Cost of Living: Winston-Salem vs Santa Rosa (2026)
Winston-Salem has a 38% lower overall cost of living than Santa Rosa as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,300/mo in Winston-Salem vs $2,200/mo in Santa Rosa — a 41% difference. Winston-Salem has a lower state income tax rate (4.5% vs 9.3%), which adds up over time.
- Winston-Salem is 38% cheaper overall (COL index: 87 vs 140)
- 1BR rent: $1,300/mo in Winston-Salem vs $2,200/mo — 41% savings
- Higher median household income: Santa Rosa ($72,000/yr vs $53,000/yr)
- Median home price: $260,000 in Winston-Salem vs $680,000 — 62% difference
| Category | Winston-Salem North Carolina | Santa Rosa California |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,050Best | $1,700 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,300Best | $2,200 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,700Best | $3,000 |
| Median home price | $260KBest | $680K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 95Best | 108 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $16 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $68 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $45Best | $72 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10Best | $4.60 |
| Car insurance/mo | $145Best | $162 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $150 | $148Best |
| Internet/mo | $60Best | $68 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $53K | $72KBest |
| State income tax% | 4.5%Best | 9.3% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.0%Best | 8.5% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $16.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $35Best | $52 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.50Best | $7.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87Best | 140 |
| Walk score / 100 | 26 | 44Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Winston-Salem cheaper than Santa Rosa?
Yes. Winston-Salem is 38% cheaper than Santa Rosa based on overall cost of living indices (87 vs 140, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Winston-Salem vs Santa Rosa?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Winston-Salem is $1,300/month and in Santa Rosa is $2,200/month. Winston-Salem is cheaper by 41%.
How much do I need to earn in Santa Rosa to match a $75,000 salary in Winston-Salem?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $120,690/year in Santa Rosa to match a $75,000 salary in Winston-Salem. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Winston-Salem or Santa Rosa?
Winston-Salem has the lower state income tax rate at 4.5% vs 9.3%. The difference is 4.8 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Winston-Salem to Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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