Is Winston-Salem, NC cheaper than Port St. Lucie, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Winston-Salem, NC is 10.3% cheaper than Port St. Lucie, FL. This translates to saving $772 per month.

What salary do I need in Winston-Salem, NC to live like I do in Port St. Lucie, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Port St. Lucie, FL, you'd need approximately $140,733.753 in Winston-Salem, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Port St. Lucie, FL and Winston-Salem, NC?

Housing in Winston-Salem, NC is 9.1% cheaper than in Port St. Lucie, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Winston-Salem, NC compared to $1,781/month in Port St. Lucie, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Port St. Lucie, FL to Winston-Salem, NC?

Moving from Port St. Lucie, FL to Winston-Salem, NC could save you approximately $772 per month, or $9266 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Port St. Lucie, FL vs Winston-Salem, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Port St. Lucie, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $772/month moving to Winston-Salem, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.7K in Winston-Salem, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 10.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$772

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Port St. Lucie, FL

Population:245K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$390K

Winston-Salem, NC

Population:250K

Cost Index:

(10% below avg)

Median Home:$254K

Port St. Lucie, FL

The Sunshine State

245K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 245K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Winston-Salem, NC

The Tar Heel State

250K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 250K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Port St. Lucie, FL vs Winston-Salem, NC

Category	Port St. Lucie, FL	Winston-Salem, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,343/mo	$2,131/mo	↓ $212less	9.1%
Other	$1,741/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $168less	9.6%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$519/mo	↓ $44.00less	7.8%
Healthcare	$559/mo	$601/mo	↑ $41.55more	7.4%
Groceries	$1,000/mo	$959/mo	↓ $41.05less	4.1%
Transportation	$1,237/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $34.77less	2.8%

Housing

↓ 9.1%

Port St. Lucie, FL

$2,343

Winston-Salem, NC

$2,131

Difference

$212

less

Other

↓ 9.6%

Port St. Lucie, FL

$1,741

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,574

Difference

$168

less

All Utilities

↓ 7.8%

Port St. Lucie, FL

$563

Winston-Salem, NC

$519

Difference

$44.00

less

Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Port St. Lucie, FL

$559

Winston-Salem, NC

$601

Difference

$41.55

Groceries

↓ 4.1%

Port St. Lucie, FL

$1,000

Winston-Salem, NC

$959

Difference

$41.05

less

Transportation

↓ 2.8%

Port St. Lucie, FL

$1,237

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,202

Difference

$34.77

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,474

To$1,065

↓ $409

1 Bed

From$1,490

To$1,155

↓ $335

2 Bed

From$1,781

To$1,315

↓ $466

3 Bed

From$2,456

To$1,715

↓ $741

Port St. Lucie, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,570–$2,090/mo

Winston-Salem, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,260/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,444

Monthly in Port St. Lucie, FL

$6,986

Monthly in Winston-Salem, NC

$458

Difference

Home Values

Port St. Lucie

Winston-Salem

Median Value

$254K

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.2%

Price Range

$168K - $363K

Calculate payment - Winston-Salem

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Port St. Lucie, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Winston-Salem, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Port St. Lucie, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Winston-Salem, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.