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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Durham is 48% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,412/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 61%
$79,234/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 77%
$355,300 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 143%
$1,434/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 68%
288,465
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $60,926/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Arlington — common questions

Is Durham or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Arlington?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Arlington?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $60,926/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Arlington details →

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