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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Plano is 86% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,792/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
$108,649/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 47%
$440,600 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 53%
$1,829/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 43%
287,339
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $50,976/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Plano 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $50,976/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Winston-Salem details →

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