Is Durham, NC cheaper than Tampa, FL?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Durham, NC is 8.7% cheaper than in Tampa, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,730/month in Durham, NC compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL.

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

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

Tampa, FL 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 Tampa, FL

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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL 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.

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$367K

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$411K

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

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: Tampa, FL vs Durham, NC

Category	Tampa, FL	Durham, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,703/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $234less	8.7%
Other	$1,808/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $100less	5.6%
Groceries	$1,019/mo	$959/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.9%
Healthcare	$570/mo	$601/mo	↑ $30.98more	5.4%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$546/mo	↓ $27.32less	4.8%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 8.7%

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Durham, NC

$2,469

Difference

$234

less

Other

↓ 5.6%

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Durham, NC

$1,707

Difference

$100

less

Groceries

↓ 5.9%

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Durham, NC

$959

Difference

$59.96

less

Healthcare

↑ 5.4%

Tampa, FL

$570

Durham, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

All Utilities

↓ 4.8%

Tampa, FL

$574

Durham, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

less

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Durham, NC

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,850

To$1,430

↓ $420

1 Bed

From$1,960

To$1,520

↓ $440

2 Bed

From$2,290

To$1,730

↓ $560

3 Bed

From$2,930

To$2,140

↓ $790

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/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.

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$391

Difference

Home Values

Tampa

Durham

$367K

Median Value

$411K

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +42.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

$251K - $989K

Price Range

$306K - $461K

Homes in Durham are 12% more expensive than Tampa

Calculate payment - Tampa 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

Tampa, 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

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

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.