Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Durham, NC (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Anaheim is 77% more expensive than Durham.

$2,082/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 32%
$90,583/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 13%
$771,700 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 54%
$2,165/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 34%
344,553
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $670/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $8,040/year.

Median household income is $11,349/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Durham — common questions

Is Anaheim or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Durham?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $670/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Durham?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $11,349/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Durham details →