Is Durham, NC cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Durham, NC is 5.8% cheaper than Nashville, TN. This translates to saving $437 per month.

What salary do I need in Durham, NC to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $144,757.282 in Durham, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Durham, NC?

Housing in Durham, NC is 6.9% cheaper than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,730/month in Durham, NC compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Nashville, TN to Durham, NC?

Moving from Nashville, TN to Durham, NC could save you approximately $437 per month, or $5243 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $437/month moving to Durham, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.8K in Durham, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$437

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.2K

Per year

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$489K

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$411K

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

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: Nashville, TN vs Durham, NC

Category	Nashville, TN	Durham, NC	Difference	Change
Other	$1,942/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $234less	12.1%
Housing	$2,651/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $182less	6.9%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$546/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.3%
Groceries	$949/mo	$959/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.1%
Healthcare	$607/mo	$601/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.0%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Other

↓ 12.1%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Durham, NC

$1,707

Difference

$234

less

Housing

↓ 6.9%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Durham, NC

$2,469

Difference

$182

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Nashville, TN

$519

Durham, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

Groceries

↑ 1.1%

Nashville, TN

$949

Durham, NC

$959

Difference

$9.99

Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

Nashville, TN

$607

Durham, NC

$601

Difference

$6.20

less

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Durham, NC

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,430

↓ $170

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,520

↓ $160

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,730

↓ $110

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$2,140

↓ $210

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

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.

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$385

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Durham

$489K

Median Value

$411K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$306K - $461K

Homes in Durham are 16% less expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville 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

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee 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

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

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.