Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Durham is 58% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,412/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 77%
$79,234/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 104%
$355,300 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 239%
$1,434/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 80%
288,465
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,093/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $13,116/year.

Median household income is $82,066/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Durham or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Bellevue?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,093/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Bellevue?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $82,066/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Bellevue details →

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