Is Cape Coral, FL cheaper than Durham, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Cape Coral, FL is 2.2% more expensive than Durham, NC. This translates to spending an extra $164 per month.

What salary do I need in Cape Coral, FL to live like I do in Durham, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Durham, NC, you'd need approximately $151,962.334 in Cape Coral, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Durham, NC and Cape Coral, FL?

Housing in Cape Coral, FL is 5.2% cheaper than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,309/month in Cape Coral, FL compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Durham, NC to Cape Coral, FL?

Living in Cape Coral, FL costs approximately $164 more per month than Durham, NC, or $1962 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Durham, NC vs Cape Coral, FL: 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 Durham, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $164/month more in Cape Coral, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.0K in Cape Coral, FL

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

Overall Cost

↑ 2.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$164

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.0K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$411K

Cape Coral, FL

Population:224K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$367K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cape Coral, FL

The Sunshine State

224K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 224K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Durham, NC vs Cape Coral, FL

Category	Durham, NC	Cape Coral, FL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,341/mo	↓ $128less	5.2%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,236/mo	↓ $48.43less	3.8%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$559/mo	↓ $41.83less	7.0%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,000/mo	↑ $40.55more	4.2%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,740/mo	↑ $32.25more	1.9%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$563/mo	↑ $16.40more	3.0%

Housing

↓ 5.2%

Durham, NC

$2,469

Cape Coral, FL

$2,341

Difference

$128

less

Transportation

↓ 3.8%

Durham, NC

$1,284

Cape Coral, FL

$1,236

Difference

$48.43

less

Healthcare

↓ 7.0%

Durham, NC

$601

Cape Coral, FL

$559

Difference

$41.83

less

Groceries

↑ 4.2%

Durham, NC

$959

Cape Coral, FL

$1,000

Difference

$40.55

Other

↑ 1.9%

Durham, NC

$1,707

Cape Coral, FL

$1,740

Difference

$32.25

All Utilities

↑ 3.0%

Durham, NC

$546

Cape Coral, FL

$563

Difference

$16.40

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,430

To$900

↓ $530

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,063

↓ $457

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$1,309

↓ $421

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,799

↓ $341

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.

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$7,438

Monthly in Cape Coral, FL

$129

Difference

Home Values

Durham

Cape Coral

$411K

Median Value

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

$306K - $461K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Durham

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

Cape Coral, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida 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%

Cape Coral, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.