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

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Winston-Salem and Waco have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 6%
$57,673/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 11%
$208,200 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 4%
$1,040/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 5%
250,887
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $6,205/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Waco — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Waco?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Waco?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $6,205/year higher in Winston-Salem.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Waco details →

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