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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Winston-Salem is 42% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,033/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 66%
$57,673/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 69%
$208,200 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 84%
$1,040/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 71%
250,887
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $680/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $8,160/year.

Median household income is $39,514/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Round Rock?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $680/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Round Rock?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $39,514/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Round Rock

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Round Rock vs. Vallejo Round Rock vs. Concord Round Rock vs. Meridian Round Rock vs. Arvada Round Rock vs. Palm Bay Round Rock vs. Clovis