Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Durham is 12% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,412/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ≈ Same
$79,234/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 29%
$355,300 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 29%
$1,434/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↑ 3%
288,465
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,650/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Durham or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $22,650/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Bridgeport details →

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