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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Cape Coral

Florida
114

Durham is 8% cheaper than Cape Coral.

$1,412/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,751/mo ↑ 24%
$79,234/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$76,062/yr ↓ 4%
$355,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$339,200 ↓ 5%
$1,434/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,523/mo ↑ 6%
288,465
Population
206,387

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
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Cape Coral, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 114 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $3,172/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $339,200 in Cape Coral.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Cape Coral — common questions

Is Durham or Cape Coral cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 114 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Cape Coral?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Cape Coral it's $1,751/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Cape Coral?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $76,062 in Cape Coral. Median household income is $3,172/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 Cape Coral?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with rent of $1,751/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Cape Coral details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Cape Coral

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Cape Coral vs. Yonkers Cape Coral vs. Worcester Cape Coral vs. Fayetteville Cape Coral vs. Columbus Cape Coral vs. Rochester Cape Coral vs. Salt Lake City