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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Winston-Salem is 45% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,033/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 77%
$57,673/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 67%
$208,200 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 95%
$1,040/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 73%
250,887
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $38,584/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Richardson — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Richardson?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Richardson?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $38,584/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Richardson

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater