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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Winston-Salem is 7% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,033/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↑ 16%
$57,673/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 11%
$208,200 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 7%
$1,040/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↑ 10%
250,887
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $6,597/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Pasadena?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Pasadena?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $6,597/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Pasadena details →

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