MN
MoveNumbers
MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.2K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 15.7%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,180
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$14.2K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Winston-Salem, NC

Population:250K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$254K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:116
Median Home:$558K

Winston-Salem, NC

The Tar Heel State

250K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 250K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Live music capital
  • •Major tech hub
  • •SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Winston-Salem, NC vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
↑ 35.4%
Winston-Salem, NC
$2,131
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$754
more
📦Other
↑ 10.6%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,574
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$167
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 6.8%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,202
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$81.96
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 4.2%
Winston-Salem, NC
$519
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$21.86
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 2.1%
Winston-Salem, NC
$601
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$12.39
less
🛒Groceries
→ 0.0%
Winston-Salem, NC
$959
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$0
same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,065
To$1,585
↑ $520
1 Bed
From$1,155
To$1,685
↑ $530
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$1,995
↑ $680
3 Bed
From$1,715
To$2,525
↑ $810
Winston-Salem, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,260/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,986
Monthly in Winston-Salem, NC
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$1,012
Difference

Home Values

Winston-Salem
Austin
$254K
Median Value
$558K
↑ +0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +37.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$168K - $363K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 120% more expensive than Winston-Salem

Calculate payment - Winston-SalemCalculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $7.1K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$594
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.7%
Rate difference

Winston-Salem, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Winston-Salem, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Winston-Salem
Austin
47 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
57.4%
Good Air Days
42.6%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
▲+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between North Carolina and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Winston-Salem, NC on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $169/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $169/mo

Similar cost to Austin, TX

Other cities in a similar price range

Denver, CORaleigh, NCCharlotte, NC

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison