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

Based on cost of living data, Winston-Salem, NC is 13.6% cheaper than St. Petersburg, FL. This translates to saving $1019 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in St. Petersburg, FL, you'd need approximately $137,766.99 in Winston-Salem, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Winston-Salem, NC is 21.2% cheaper than in St. Petersburg, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Winston-Salem, NC compared to $2,040/month in St. Petersburg, FL.

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

Moving from St. Petersburg, FL to Winston-Salem, NC could save you approximately $1019 per month, or $12233 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in St. Petersburg, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Winston-Salem, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.8K in Winston-Salem, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,019

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.2K

Per year

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

St. Petersburg, FL

Population:264K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$333K

Winston-Salem, NC

Population:250K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$254K

St. Petersburg, FL

The Sunshine State

264K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 264K 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: St. Petersburg, FL vs Winston-Salem, NC

Category	St. Petersburg, FL	Winston-Salem, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,703/mo	$2,131/mo	↓ $572less	21.2%
Other	$1,808/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $234less	13.0%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $81.96less	6.4%
Groceries	$1,019/mo	$959/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.9%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$519/mo	↓ $54.64less	9.5%
Healthcare	$570/mo	$601/mo	↑ $30.98more	5.4%

Housing

↓ 21.2%

St. Petersburg, FL

$2,703

Winston-Salem, NC

$2,131

Difference

$572

less

Other

↓ 13.0%

St. Petersburg, FL

$1,808

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,574

Difference

$234

less

Transportation

↓ 6.4%

St. Petersburg, FL

$1,284

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,202

Difference

$81.96

less

Groceries

↓ 5.9%

St. Petersburg, FL

$1,019

Winston-Salem, NC

$959

Difference

$59.96

less

All Utilities

↓ 9.5%

St. Petersburg, FL

$574

Winston-Salem, NC

$519

Difference

$54.64

less

Healthcare

↑ 5.4%

St. Petersburg, FL

$570

Winston-Salem, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,640

To$1,065

↓ $575

1 Bed

From$1,750

To$1,155

↓ $595

2 Bed

From$2,040

To$1,315

↓ $725

3 Bed

From$2,610

To$1,715

↓ $895

St. Petersburg, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,420–$2,500/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.

$7,958

Monthly in St. Petersburg, FL

$6,986

Monthly in Winston-Salem, NC

$972

Difference

Home Values

St. Petersburg

Winston-Salem

$333K

Median Value

$254K

↓ -7.3%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↑ +29%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.2%

$162K - $712K

Price Range

$168K - $363K

Homes in Winston-Salem are 24% less expensive than St. Petersburg

Calculate payment - St. Petersburg 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

St. Petersburg, 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

St. Petersburg, 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.