Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Durham is 31% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,412/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 28%
$79,234/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 43%
$355,300 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 69%
$1,434/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 36%
288,465
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $390/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,680/year.

Median household income is $34,162/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Arvada — common questions

Is Durham or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Arvada?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $390/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Arvada?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $34,162/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Arvada details →

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