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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Irving is 31% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,517/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 32%
$79,641/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 28%
$287,300 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 28%
$1,521/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 32%
255,036
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $484/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,808/year.

Median household income is $21,968/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Irving 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 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $484/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $21,968/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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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