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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Winston-Salem is 48% cheaper than Allen.

$1,033/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 82%
$57,673/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 124%
$208,200 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 106%
$1,040/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 100%
250,887
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $844/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $10,128/year.

Median household income is $71,457/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Allen — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Allen?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $844/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Allen?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $71,457/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Allen details →

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