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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Durham is 23% cheaper than Allen.

$1,412/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 33%
$79,234/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 63%
$355,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 21%
$1,434/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 45%
288,465
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $465/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $5,580/year.

Median household income is $49,896/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Allen — common questions

Is Durham or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Allen?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $465/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Allen?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $49,896/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Allen details →

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