Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Durham is 3% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,412/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 20%
$79,234/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 3%
$355,300 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 17%
$1,434/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 8%
288,465
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $2,166/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Brandon — common questions

Is Durham or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Brandon?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Brandon?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $2,166/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Brandon details →

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