Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,349 in North Carolina versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, Texas runs roughly 13% cheaper on rent than North Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,431 in North Carolina and $67,043 in Texas — about 17% higher in North Carolina. North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% state sales tax; Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4.75%
6.25%
+1.5 pp in Texas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.99%
None
+4.0 pp in North Carolina
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,349
$1,170
+13% in North Carolina
Median Home Value
$364,650
$264,900
+27% in North Carolina
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$80,431
$67,043
+17% in North Carolina
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
60.3°F
67.2°F
+7.0°F in Texas
North Carolina vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or Texas?
- Texas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,170 runs about 13% below North Carolina's $1,349, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in North Carolina than in Texas?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $54,000 a year in North Carolina versus $47,000 in Texas.
- Which has lower taxes, North Carolina or Texas?
- North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% state sales tax. Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/8 cities we track in North Carolina/Texas — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.