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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Winston-Salem is 47% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,033/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 88%
$57,673/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 138%
$208,200 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 95%
$1,040/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 89%
250,887
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $906/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $10,872/year.

Median household income is $79,838/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $906/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $79,838/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Sugar Land

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks