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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Dallas is 8% cheaper than Durham.

$1,403/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ≈ Same
$67,760/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 17%
$295,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 20%
$1,409/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 2%
1,299,553
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,474/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Durham — common questions

Is Dallas or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Durham?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Durham?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $11,474/year higher in Durham.
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 Dallas or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Durham details →

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