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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Winston-Salem is 20% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,033/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 36%
$57,673/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 25%
$208,200 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 9%
$1,040/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 33%
250,887
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $14,170/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Mesquite?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Mesquite?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $14,170/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

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