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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Winston-Salem is 14% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 28%
$57,673/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 27%
$208,200 ≈ Same
Home Value
$208,000 ≈ Same
$1,040/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 20%
250,887
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $15,357/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Odessa — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Odessa?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Odessa?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $15,357/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

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