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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.0K/month more in Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.1K in Dallas, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
13.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,011
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$12.1K
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
100 = national average
Median Home:$254K

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K
Cost Index:
113
(13% above avg)
Median Home:$292K

Winston-Salem, NC

The Tar Heel State

250K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Major business center
  • No state income tax
  • Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

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

Housing
12.2%
Winston-Salem, NC
$2,131
Dallas, TX
$2,391
Difference
$260
more
Other
12.8%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,574
Dallas, TX
$1,774
Difference
$201
more
Transportation
8.0%
Winston-Salem, NC
$1,202
Dallas, TX
$1,298
Difference
$95.62
more
All Utilities
8.4%
Winston-Salem, NC
$519
Dallas, TX
$563
Difference
$43.71
more
Healthcare
5.2%
Winston-Salem, NC
$601
Dallas, TX
$632
Difference
$30.98
more
Groceries
2.1%
Winston-Salem, NC
$959
Dallas, TX
$979
Difference
$19.99
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,065
To$1,450
$385
1 Bed
From$1,155
To$1,505
$350
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$1,765
$450
3 Bed
From$1,715
To$2,220
$505
Winston-Salem, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $960$1,260/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040$2,470/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
$7,637
Monthly in Dallas, TX
$651
Difference

Home Values

Winston-Salem
Dallas
$254K
Median Value
$292K
↑ +0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +37.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +27.1%
$168K - $363K
Price Range
$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 15% more expensive than Winston-Salem

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

Dallas, 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%

Dallas, 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
Dallas
47 Good
Air Quality
55 Moderate
57.4%
Good Air Days
35.2%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
90 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
90 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

Similar cost to Dallas, TX

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