Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Durham, NC (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Austin is 28% more expensive than Durham.

$1,655/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 15%
$91,461/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 13%
$512,700 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 31%
$1,747/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 18%
967,862
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $12,227/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Durham — common questions

Is Austin or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Durham?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Durham?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $12,227/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Durham details →

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