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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Winston-Salem is 5% cheaper than Killeen.

$1,033/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↑ 11%
$57,673/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↑ 1%
$208,200 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 6%
$1,040/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↑ 13%
250,887
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $666/year higher in Killeen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Killeen — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Killeen?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Killeen?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $666/year higher in Killeen.
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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Killeen

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale