Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Durham is 58% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,412/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 51%
$79,234/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 37%
$355,300 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 280%
$1,434/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 63%
288,465
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $715/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $8,580/year.

Median household income is $29,324/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Durham or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Berkeley?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $715/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Berkeley?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $29,324/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Berkeley details →

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