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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Winston-Salem is 25% cheaper than Garland.

$1,033/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 48%
$57,673/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 30%
$208,200 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$248,900 ↑ 20%
$1,040/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 39%
250,887
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $17,044/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Garland — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Garland?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Garland?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $17,044/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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