Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Durham is 13% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,412/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 10%
$79,234/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 2%
$355,300 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 22%
$1,434/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 14%
288,465
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $1,855/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Durham or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $1,855/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Ann Arbor details →

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