Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Concord, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Concord

California
187

Durham is 44% cheaper than Concord.

$1,412/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 58%
$79,234/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 38%
$355,300 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 113%
$1,434/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 59%
288,465
Population
124,260

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $814/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $9,768/year.

Median household income is $29,961/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Concord — common questions

Is Durham or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Concord?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $814/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Concord?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $29,961/year higher in Concord.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Concord details →

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