Is Austin, TX cheaper than Durham, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 6.2% more expensive than Durham, NC. This translates to spending an extra $464 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Durham, NC, you'd need approximately $155,567.01 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Durham, NC and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 16.8% more expensive than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $464 more per month than Durham, NC, or $5567 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Durham, NC vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Durham, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $464/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.6K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$464

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.6K

Per year

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

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$411K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$558K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Durham, NC vs Austin, TX

Category	Durham, NC	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $416more	16.8%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $33.48more	2.0%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$589/mo	↓ $12.39less	2.1%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$541/mo	↓ $5.46less	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 16.8%

Durham, NC

$2,469

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$416

📦Other

↑ 2.0%

Durham, NC

$1,707

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$33.48

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.1%

Durham, NC

$601

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$12.39

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.0%

Durham, NC

$546

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$5.46

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Durham, NC

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

same

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Durham, NC

$1,284

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,430

To$1,585

↑ $155

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,685

↑ $165

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$1,995

↑ $265

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$2,525

↑ $385

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$431

Difference

Home Values

Durham

Austin

$411K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$306K - $461K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 36% more expensive than Durham

Calculate payment - Durham Calculate payment - Austin

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

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

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

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, 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.