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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Durham is 58% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,412/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 90%
$79,234/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 76%
$355,300 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 226%
$1,434/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 95%
288,465
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,266/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $15,192/year.

Median household income is $60,092/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Durham or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,266/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $60,092/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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