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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Durham is 15% more expensive than College Station.

$1,412/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 17%
$79,234/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 35%
$355,300 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 8%
$1,434/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 13%
288,465
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $244/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $2,928/year.

Median household income is $27,458/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs College Station — common questions

Is Durham or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and College Station?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $244/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or College Station?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $27,458/year higher in Durham.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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