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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Durham is 52% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,412/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 26%
$79,234/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 21%
$355,300 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 47%
$1,434/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 25%
288,465
Population
200,945

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $16,765/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Durham or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Amarillo?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Amarillo?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $16,765/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 Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Amarillo details →

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