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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Winston-Salem is 39% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,033/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 62%
$57,673/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 72%
$208,200 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 70%
$1,040/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 62%
250,887
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $641/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,692/year.

Median household income is $41,442/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Carrollton?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $641/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Carrollton?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $41,442/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Carrollton

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman