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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Winston-Salem and Amarillo have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↑ 2%
$57,673/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↑ 8%
$208,200 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 10%
$1,040/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↑ 3%
250,887
Population
200,945

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,796/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Amarillo?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Amarillo?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $4,796/year higher in Amarillo.
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 Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Amarillo

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor