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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Durham is 48% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,412/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 22%
$79,234/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 21%
$355,300 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 50%
$1,434/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 22%
288,465
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $16,514/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Abilene — common questions

Is Durham or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Abilene?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Abilene?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $16,514/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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