Is Durham, NC cheaper than Charlotte, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Durham, NC is 0.0% cheaper than Charlotte, NC. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Durham, NC to live like I do in Charlotte, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Charlotte, NC, you'd need approximately $150,000 in Durham, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC?

Housing in Durham, NC is 0.0% cheaper than in Charlotte, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,730/month in Durham, NC compared to $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC?

Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Charlotte, NC vs Durham, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Charlotte, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC have similar living costs

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Durham, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area

Overall Cost

→ 0.0%

Same cost

Monthly Impact

No change

Annual Impact

Per year

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

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$399K

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:

100

(national average)

Median Home:$411K

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major banking center
•NASCAR headquarters
•Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 325K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Charlotte, NC vs Durham, NC

Category	Charlotte, NC	Durham, NC	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.8%
Healthcare	$638/mo	$601/mo	↓ $37.17less	5.8%
Groceries	$989/mo	$959/mo	↓ $29.98less	3.0%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$546/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.3%
Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,469/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,707/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Transportation

↑ 6.8%

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Durham, NC

$1,284

Difference

$81.96

Healthcare

↓ 5.8%

Charlotte, NC

$638

Durham, NC

$601

Difference

$37.17

less

Groceries

↓ 3.0%

Charlotte, NC

$989

Durham, NC

$959

Difference

$29.98

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Charlotte, NC

$519

Durham, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

Housing

→ 0.0%

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Durham, NC

$2,469

Difference

same

Other

→ 0.0%

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Durham, NC

$1,707

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,630

To$1,430

↓ $200

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,520

↓ $190

2 Bed

From$1,870

To$1,730

↓ $140

3 Bed

From$2,300

To$2,140

↓ $160

Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$2,310/mo

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/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.

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$42.13

Difference

Home Values

Charlotte

Durham

$399K

Median Value

$411K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +40.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

$293K - $1.57M

Price Range

$306K - $461K

Homes in Durham are 3% more expensive than Charlotte

Calculate payment - Charlotte Calculate payment - Durham

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Charlotte, 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

Durham, 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

Additional Tax Information

Charlotte, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.