Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Durham, NC (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Atlanta is 16% more expensive than Durham.

$1,617/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 13%
$81,938/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 3%
$420,600 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 16%
$1,695/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 15%
499,287
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $2,704/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Durham — common questions

Is Atlanta or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Durham?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Durham?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $2,704/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and North Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Durham details →

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