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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Winston-Salem is 29% cheaper than Denton.

$1,033/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↑ 30%
$57,673/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↑ 28%
$208,200 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$325,700 ↑ 56%
$1,040/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 40%
250,887
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $16,046/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Denton — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Denton?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $311/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Denton?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $16,046/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Denton details →

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