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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Winston-Salem is 49% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 73%
$57,673/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 145%
$208,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 130%
$1,040/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 93%
250,887
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $83,680/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $83,680/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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