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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Winston-Salem is 22% cheaper than College Station.

$1,033/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 13%
$57,673/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 10%
$208,200 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 57%
$1,040/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 20%
250,887
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $5,897/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs College Station — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and College Station?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or College Station?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $5,897/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View College Station details →

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