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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Winston-Salem is 8% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,033/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 2%
$57,673/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 4%
$208,200 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 17%
$1,040/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 4%
250,887
Population
143,789

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 McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,492/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs McAllen — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and McAllen?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or McAllen?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $2,492/year higher in McAllen.
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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance