Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Durham, NC?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 48.5% more expensive than Durham, NC. This translates to spending an extra $3634 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Durham, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Durham, NC, you'd need approximately $193,608.247 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Durham, NC and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 111.6% more expensive than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Durham, NC to San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $3634 more per month than Durham, NC, or $43608 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Durham, NC vs San Diego, CA: 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 $3.6K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $193.6K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 48.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,634

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$43.6K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$411K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

148

(48% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Durham, NC vs San Diego, CA

Category	Durham, NC	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,755more	111.6%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $287more	22.3%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $184more	10.8%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$634/mo	↑ $87.43more	16.0%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$638/mo	↑ $37.17more	6.2%

Housing

↑ 111.6%

Durham, NC

$2,469

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,755

Transportation

↑ 22.3%

Durham, NC

$1,284

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$287

Other

↑ 10.8%

Durham, NC

$1,707

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$184

Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Durham, NC

$959

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$120

All Utilities

↑ 16.0%

Durham, NC

$546

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$87.43

Healthcare

↑ 6.2%

Durham, NC

$601

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$37.17

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,430

To$2,565

↑ $1,135

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$2,755

↑ $1,235

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$3,360

↑ $1,630

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$4,475

↑ $2,335

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$3,470

Difference

Home Values

Durham

San Diego

$411K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$306K - $461K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 139% more expensive than Durham

Calculate payment - Durham Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$292

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

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

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.