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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Lubbock is 6% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,137/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 9%
$60,487/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 5%
$197,900 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$208,200 ↑ 5%
$1,179/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 12%
261,078
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $2,814/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Lubbock 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 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $2,814/year higher in Lubbock.
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 Lubbock or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View Winston-Salem details →

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