Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Durham is 52% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,412/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 24%
$79,234/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 29%
$355,300 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 49%
$1,434/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 26%
288,465
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $22,612/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Columbus — common questions

Is Durham or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Columbus?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Columbus?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $22,612/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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