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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.4K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
16.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,197
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$14.4K
Per year

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

Winston-Salem, NC

Population:250K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$254K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:116
Median Home:$414K

Winston-Salem, NC

The Tar Heel State

250K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • Fastest growing major city
  • Desert metropolis
  • Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Winston-Salem, NC vs Phoenix, AZ

🏠Housing
30.9%
Winston-Salem, NC
$2,131
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$657
more
🚗Transportation
23.9%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,202
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$287
more
📦Other
6.6%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,574
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$104
more
All Utilities
8.1%
Winston-Salem, NC
$519
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$42.07
more
🏥Healthcare
2.1%
Winston-Salem, NC
$601
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$12.39
less
🛒Groceries
0.4%
Winston-Salem, NC
$959
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$4.00
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,065
To$1,390
$325
1 Bed
From$1,155
To$1,510
$355
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$1,750
$435
3 Bed
From$1,715
To$2,330
$615
Winston-Salem, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $960$1,260/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300$2,380/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.

$6,986
Monthly in Winston-Salem, NC
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,082
Difference

Home Values

Winston-Salem
Phoenix
$254K
Median Value
$414K
↑ +0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +37.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$168K - $363K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 63% more expensive than Winston-Salem

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.9K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$158
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.3%
Rate difference

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arizona State Tax
Effective: 3.5%
$5.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.2%
$42.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,979/month
$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Winston-Salem, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.

Environment

Winston-Salem
Phoenix
47 Good
Air Quality
77 Moderate
57.4%
Good Air Days
9%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between North Carolina and Arizona on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Phoenix, AZ

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