Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Durham is 39% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,412/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 44%
$79,234/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 43%
$355,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 96%
$1,434/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 52%
288,465
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $619/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $7,428/year.

Median household income is $34,404/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Durham or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Alexandria?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $619/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Alexandria?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $34,404/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Alexandria details →

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