Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Cary, NC (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Durham is 22% cheaper than Cary.

$1,412/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 15%
$79,234/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 63%
$355,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 48%
$1,434/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 22%
288,465
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $50,165/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Cary — common questions

Is Durham or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Cary?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Cary?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $50,165/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Cary details →

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