Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Durham, NC (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Boston is 68% more expensive than Durham.

$2,093/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 33%
$94,755/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 16%
$710,400 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 50%
$2,176/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 34%
663,972
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $15,521/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Durham — common questions

Is Boston or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Durham?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Durham?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $15,521/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Durham details →

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