71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
75
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Winston-Salem wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Winston-Salem wins 1–3 overall (75/100)
💰 Winston-Salem is more affordable
💼 Winston-Salem has lower unemployment
🛡️ Winston-Salem has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Winston-Salem — The Verdict
Winston-Salem scores 75.2/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Winston-Salem has a clear edge with home prices 20% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Winston-Salem has a notably lower disaster history with 9 fewer declarations in 20 years. Winston-Salem may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Winston-Salem are 20% lower — a difference of $47,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Winston-Salem saves you $279/month — that's $3,348 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $6,024 more per year (11% higher median income).
🛡️
Winston-Salem has experienced 9 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$187,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$956
Median Income
$60,440
$54,416
Winston-Salem edges out Houston on housing costs by 20%, a difference of $47,600. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.9%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
12
Winston-Salem has a markedly lower disaster history — 9 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Winston-Salem: Common Questions
Is Houston or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Winston-Salem is more affordable overall. Home prices are $47,600 lower in Winston-Salem. Monthly rent is $956 in Winston-Salem vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Winston-Salem have better weather?
Winston-Salem scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Winston-Salem better for finding a job?
Winston-Salem currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.9% in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $54,416 in Winston-Salem.
Which city is safer — Houston or Winston-Salem?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Winston-Salem is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Winston-Salem. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Winston-Salem.
Should I move from Houston to Winston-Salem?
Based on our data, Winston-Salem scores 75.2/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Winston-Salem is more affordable, while Winston-Salem has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.