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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Dallas is 37% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,403/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 26%
$67,760/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 15%
$295,300 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 29%
$1,409/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 26%
1,299,553
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $10,087/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Dallas 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 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $10,087/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Winston-Salem details →

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