Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Arlington is 34% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,389/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 26%
$73,519/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 22%
$276,400 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 25%
$1,420/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 27%
394,769
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $15,846/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Arlington or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $15,846/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Winston-Salem details →

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