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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Houston is 24% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,313/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 21%
$62,894/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 8%
$253,400 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 18%
$1,316/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 21%
2,300,419
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $5,221/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Houston 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 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $5,221/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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