Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Durham is 9% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,412/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 19%
$79,234/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 25%
$355,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$353,600 ≈ Same
$1,434/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 18%
288,465
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $19,881/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Durham or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Carrollton?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Carrollton?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $19,881/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Carrollton details →

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