Why Are People Moving from Texas to North Carolina in 2026?
North Carolina surpassed Texas for domestic migration in 2025, gaining 84,064 net new residents from other states compared to Texas's 67,299 according to Census Bureau data released in January 2026. The combination of Texas's 1.40% effective property tax rate versus North Carolina's 0.62%, homeowners insurance averaging $4,915 per year in Texas versus roughly $1,556 in NC, and declining home values in Austin (down 2.7%) and Dallas (down 3.6%) is driving Texans to reconsider. The Triad NC offers median home prices of $290,000, which is 46% below Austin's $540,000 and 28% below Dallas's $400,000, with stable year-over-year appreciation rather than the price corrections hitting major Texas metros.
Teresa Overcash, Broker/Owner of Realty ONE Group Results, guides Texas transplants through every aspect of the NC transition. With 29 years of experience serving the Triad, Wilkes County, and High Country, Teresa helps relocating families navigate the tax differences, school systems, and neighborhood options that make North Carolina work.
How Do Property Taxes Compare Between Texas and North Carolina?
The property tax savings are substantial and immediate. Texas homeowners pay a median of $4,232 per year in property taxes at a 1.40% effective rate, ranking seventh highest nationally according to WalletHub's 2026 report. North Carolina's effective rate is 0.62%, meaning the same home generates roughly 56% lower tax bills. Here is the comparison on equivalent home values:
| Home Value | Texas Annual Tax (1.40%) | NC Annual Tax (0.62%) | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $290,000 | $4,060 | $1,798 | $2,262 |
| $400,000 | $5,600 | $2,480 | $3,120 |
| $540,000 | $7,560 | $3,348 | $4,212 |
However, North Carolina has a flat 3.99% state income tax while Texas has none. For a household earning $100,000, the NC income tax adds $3,990. The net calculation depends on income level, but for most homeowners the property tax and insurance savings in NC exceed the income tax cost, especially at home values above $350,000.
How Much Cheaper Is Homeowners Insurance in North Carolina?
Texas homeowners insurance averages $4,915 per year according to NerdWallet's 2026 analysis, making it the fifth most expensive state in the nation. Dallas averages $3,951, Houston $5,300, and Corpus Christi $6,183 per Bankrate data. North Carolina homeowners insurance averages approximately $1,556 per year. On a standard policy, a Texas family moving to the Triad saves roughly $3,359 annually on insurance alone. Combined with property tax savings, the total annual savings on a $400,000 home exceed $6,479 before accounting for the lower purchase price.
How Do Home Prices Compare: Texas Cities vs the Triad NC?
| City | Median Sale Price | YoY Change | Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | $540,000 | -2.7% | 95+ days |
| Dallas, TX | $400,000 | -3.6% | 53 days |
| San Antonio, TX | $276,000 | -2.8% | 65+ days |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $290,000 | +3.4% | 68 days |
| Greensboro, NC | $285,000 | +2.7% | 54 days |
| High Point, NC | $284,000 | +12.5% | 42 days |
The contrast is stark. All three major Texas metros are experiencing year-over-year price declines while every Triad city is appreciating. Austin has seen an 18% decline from its May 2022 peak of $550,000 to the current $449,450 metro-wide median, with inventory at 6.2 months and growing. The Triad offers price stability, positive growth momentum, and a median that lets Texas equity stretch significantly further.
What About Schools in the Triad Compared to Texas?
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools features standout options including Guilford County Early College at GTCC, ranked the number one high school in NC and 31st nationally by US News. Reagan High School and Reynolds High School offer IB Diploma Programmes. The district includes magnet programs like Speas Global Elementary with Spanish immersion. Guilford County Schools in Greensboro provides additional IB and magnet options. By comparison, Texas schools face ongoing state funding debates, and many high-performing Texas districts carry property tax rates above 2% to fund their schools, a cost that is embedded in the tax rates families are already paying.
What Are the Major Employers Drawing People to the Triad?
The Triad's employer base is diversifying rapidly. JetZero announced a $4.7 billion facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport creating 14,500 jobs at average salaries above $89,000, the largest job announcement in NC history. Toyota's battery manufacturing plant in Randolph County adds another anchor. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Cone Health, and the university systems (Wake Forest, UNC Greensboro, NC A&T, High Point University) provide institutional stability. The median commute in Winston-Salem is 17 minutes versus 28 minutes in Dallas and 31 minutes in Austin, giving Triad residents an hour or more back in their day.
What Does the Total Cost Comparison Look Like?
A family earning $100,000 moving from a $400,000 Dallas home to a $290,000 Winston-Salem home realizes the following annual changes: property taxes drop $3,120, insurance drops $3,359, but income tax increases $3,990. The net annual savings on recurring costs is approximately $2,489. Add the $110,000 in equity freed by buying at a lower price point, and the financial case is compelling. Teresa Overcash and Realty ONE Group Results help Texas families model these numbers for their specific situation. Call 336-262-3111 or visit homesintriadnc.com for a personalized relocation analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving from Texas to the Triad NC
Is North Carolina cheaper than Texas?
For homeowners, yes. NC property taxes (0.62%) are 56% lower than Texas (1.40%), and NC homeowners insurance ($1,556/yr) is 68% less than Texas ($4,915/yr). NC does have a 3.99% income tax that Texas lacks.
How much is a house in Winston-Salem vs Austin?
Winston-Salem's median is $290,000 versus Austin's $540,000 -- a 46% difference. Winston-Salem prices are up 3.4% YoY while Austin is down 2.7%.
How much are property taxes in Texas vs North Carolina?
Texas effective rate is 1.40% ($4,232 median bill). NC effective rate is 0.62% ($1,798 on a $290K home). Annual savings range from $2,262 to $4,212 depending on home value.
How much is homeowners insurance in Texas vs NC?
Texas averages $4,915/yr (5th most expensive nationally). NC averages approximately $1,556/yr. Moving to NC saves roughly $3,359 annually on insurance.
Does North Carolina have income tax?
Yes. NC has a flat 3.99% state income tax in 2026. Texas has no state income tax. A household earning $100,000 pays $3,990 in NC income tax.
Are home prices falling in Texas?
Yes. Austin is down 2.7%, Dallas down 3.6%, and San Antonio down 2.8% year-over-year as of February 2026. Austin has declined 18% from its May 2022 peak.
How long is the commute in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem's median commute is 17 minutes versus 28 minutes in Dallas and 31 minutes in Austin.
What is the biggest employer in the Triad NC?
JetZero will create 14,500 jobs at $89K+ average salary at PTI Airport. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Cone Health, and five universities provide additional employment.
Did more people move to NC than Texas in 2025?
Yes. NC gained 84,064 net domestic migrants in 2025 versus Texas's 67,299 according to Census Bureau data.
Who helps people relocate from Texas to NC?
Teresa Overcash of Realty ONE Group Results specializes in out-of-state relocations to the Triad, Wilkes County, and High Country. Call 336-262-3111 or visit homesintriadnc.com.