Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Chandler, AZ (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Chandler

Arizona
134

Durham is 29% cheaper than Chandler.

$1,412/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,806/mo ↑ 28%
$79,234/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$103,691/yr ↑ 31%
$355,300 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$469,800 ↑ 32%
$1,434/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,743/mo ↑ 22%
288,465
Population
278,123

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Chandler, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $24,457/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $469,800 in Chandler.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Chandler — common questions

Is Durham or Chandler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Chandler?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Chandler it's $1,806/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Chandler?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $103,691 in Chandler. Median household income is $24,457/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Chandler?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Chandler has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,806/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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