Is Tampa, FL cheaper than Winston-Salem, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Tampa, FL is 15.7% more expensive than Winston-Salem, NC. This translates to spending an extra $1180 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Winston-Salem, NC, you'd need approximately $164,157.303 in Tampa, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Winston-Salem, NC and Tampa, FL?

Housing in Tampa, FL is 26.8% more expensive than in Winston-Salem, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,290/month in Tampa, FL compared to $1,315/month in Winston-Salem, NC.

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

Living in Tampa, FL costs approximately $1180 more per month than Winston-Salem, NC, or $14157 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Winston-Salem, NC vs Tampa, FL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Winston-Salem, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Tampa, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.2K in Tampa, FL

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

Overall Cost

↑ 15.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,180

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$14.2K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$254K

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:

116

(16% above avg)

Median Home:$367K

Winston-Salem, NC

The Tar Heel State

250K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Winston-Salem, NC vs Tampa, FL

Category	Winston-Salem, NC	Tampa, FL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,131/mo	$2,703/mo	↑ $572more	26.8%
Other	$1,574/mo	$1,808/mo	↑ $234more	14.9%
Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.8%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,019/mo	↑ $59.96more	6.3%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$574/mo	↑ $54.64more	10.5%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$570/mo	↓ $30.98less	5.2%

Housing

↑ 26.8%

Winston-Salem, NC

$2,131

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Difference

$572

Other

↑ 14.9%

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,574

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Difference

$234

Transportation

↑ 6.8%

Winston-Salem, NC

$1,202

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Difference

$81.96

Groceries

↑ 6.3%

Winston-Salem, NC

$959

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Difference

$59.96

All Utilities

↑ 10.5%

Winston-Salem, NC

$519

Tampa, FL

$574

Difference

$54.64

Healthcare

↓ 5.2%

Winston-Salem, NC

$601

Tampa, FL

$570

Difference

$30.98

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,065

To$1,850

↑ $785

1 Bed

From$1,155

To$1,960

↑ $805

2 Bed

From$1,315

To$2,290

↑ $975

3 Bed

From$1,715

To$2,930

↑ $1,215

Winston-Salem, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,260/mo

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/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

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$972

Difference

Home Values

Winston-Salem

Tampa

$254K

Median Value

$367K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -4%

↑ +37.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.1%

$168K - $363K

Price Range

$251K - $989K

Homes in Tampa are 45% more expensive than Winston-Salem

Calculate payment - Winston-Salem Calculate payment - Tampa

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$594

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

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

Tampa, 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

Additional Tax Information

Winston-Salem, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.

Environment

Winston-Salem

Tampa

47 Good

Air Quality

50 Good

57.4%

Good Air Days

52.5%

92 Moderate

Climate Risk

99 High

🌊🌪💨

Top Hazards

🌊🌅🌀

▲+2.8°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.2°F

30 days

Heat Days >95°F

38 days

▲+2.8°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.2°F

30 days

Heat Days >95°F

38 days

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

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Winston-Salem, NC on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Tampa, FL

Other cities in a similar price range

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Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Tampa, FL

Winston-Salem, NC

Tampa, FL

Winston-Salem, NC

Tampa, FL

Notable Facts

Major Industries

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code8 ZIPs

📍 Rent by ZIP Code25 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP7 ZIPs

🏠 Home Values by ZIP23 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Winston-Salem, NC

Tampa, FL

Additional Tax Information

Winston-Salem, NC Tax Rates

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Tampa, FL