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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Winston-Salem is 31% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,033/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 12%
$57,673/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 16%
$208,200 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 41%
$1,040/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 20%
250,887
Population
188,023

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $8,998/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Brownsville?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Brownsville?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $8,998/year higher in Winston-Salem.
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 Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Brownsville details →

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