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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Beaumont

Texas
66

Durham is 59% more expensive than Beaumont.

$1,412/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 24%
$79,234/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$57,530/yr ↓ 27%
$355,300 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$158,800 ↓ 55%
$1,434/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,031/mo ↓ 28%
288,465
Population
113,710

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Beaumont, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Beaumont, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $21,704/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $158,800 in Beaumont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Beaumont — common questions

Is Durham or Beaumont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Beaumont is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Beaumont?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Beaumont it's $1,072/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Beaumont?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $57,530 in Beaumont. Median household income is $21,704/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 Beaumont?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Beaumont has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Beaumont details →

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