Is Durham, NC cheaper than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Durham, NC is 4.3% more expensive than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY. This translates to spending an extra $323 per month.

What salary do I need in Durham, NC to live like I do in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY, you'd need approximately $153,870.968 in Durham, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY and Durham, NC?

Housing in Durham, NC is 5.6% more expensive than in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,730/month in Durham, NC compared to $1,000/month in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY to Durham, NC?

Living in Durham, NC costs approximately $323 more per month than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY, or $3871 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY 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 Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $323/month more in Durham, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.9K in Durham, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$323

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.9K

Per year

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

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Population:320K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$345K

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:

104

(4% above avg)

Median Home:$411K

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

The Bluegrass State

320K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 320K residents.

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: Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY vs Durham, NC

Category	Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY	Durham, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,339/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $130more	5.6%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$546/mo	↑ $81.96more	17.6%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $68.30more	5.6%
Other	$1,641/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $66.96more	4.1%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$601/mo	↑ $49.57more	9.0%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 5.6%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$2,339

Durham, NC

$2,469

Difference

$130

All Utilities

↑ 17.6%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$464

Durham, NC

$546

Difference

$81.96

Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,216

Durham, NC

$1,284

Difference

$68.30

Other

↑ 4.1%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,641

Durham, NC

$1,707

Difference

$66.96

Healthcare

↑ 9.0%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$551

Durham, NC

$601

Difference

$49.57

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$959

Durham, NC

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$720

To$1,430

↑ $710

1 Bed

From$820

To$1,520

↑ $700

2 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,730

↑ $730

3 Bed

From$1,350

To$2,140

↑ $790

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.

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$397

Difference

Home Values

Lexington-Fayette urban county

Durham

Median Value

$411K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

Price Range

$306K - $461K

Calculate payment - Durham

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $375

Per year

Monthly Difference

$31.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kentucky State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.