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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Winston-Salem is 49% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,033/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 78%
$57,673/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 109%
$208,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 111%
$1,040/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 102%
250,887
Population
202,314

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
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $808/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $9,696/year.

Median household income is $62,600/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs McKinney — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and McKinney?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $808/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or McKinney?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $62,600/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and McKinney

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo