Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Durham is 56% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,412/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 94%
$79,234/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 60%
$355,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 193%
$1,434/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 84%
288,465
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,330/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $15,960/year.

Median household income is $47,235/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Durham or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Cambridge?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,330/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Cambridge?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $47,235/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Cambridge details →

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