Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Durham, NC (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Charlotte is 3% more expensive than Durham.

$1,504/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 6%
$78,438/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 1%
$351,500 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 1%
$1,487/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 4%
886,283
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $796/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Durham — common questions

Is Charlotte or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Durham?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Durham?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $796/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charlotte and Durham

Charlotte vs. Columbus Charlotte vs. Indianapolis Charlotte vs. Fort Worth Charlotte vs. San Francisco Charlotte vs. Jacksonville Charlotte vs. Seattle Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo