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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Durham, NC and Raleigh, NC have similar living costs

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

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area
Overall Cost
0.0%
Same cost
Monthly Impact
$0
No change
Annual Impact
$0
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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$512K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Research Triangle
  • State capital
  • Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Durham, NC vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
0.0%
Durham, NC
$2,469
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$0
same
🛒Groceries
0.0%
Durham, NC
$959
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$0
same
🚗Transportation
0.0%
Durham, NC
$1,284
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$0
same
All Utilities
0.0%
Durham, NC
$546
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$0
same
🏥Healthcare
0.0%
Durham, NC
$601
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$0
same
📦Other
0.0%
Durham, NC
$1,707
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$0
same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,430
To$1,570
$140
1 Bed
From$1,520
To$1,640
$120
2 Bed
From$1,730
To$1,800
$70.00
3 Bed
From$2,140
To$2,255
$115
Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480$1,750/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400$1,880/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
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$0
Difference

Home Values

Durham
Raleigh
$411K
Median Value
$512K
↓ -0.5%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +38%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$306K - $461K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 25% more expensive than 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
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
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

Raleigh, 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

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, 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.

Environment

Durham
Raleigh
51 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
46.4%
Good Air Days
61.7%
90 Moderate
Climate Risk
96 High
🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
36 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
36 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

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