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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Winston-Salem is 41% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,033/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 70%
$57,673/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 95%
$208,200 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 59%
$1,040/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 89%
250,887
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $726/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,712/year.

Median household income is $54,797/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Pearland — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Pearland?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $726/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Pearland?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $54,797/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Pearland details →

More Comparisons

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