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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Fort Worth is 37% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,412/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 27%
$76,602/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 25%
$277,300 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 25%
$1,489/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 30%
941,311
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $18,929/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $18,929/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Fort Worth details → View Winston-Salem details →

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