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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Corona

California
173

Durham is 39% cheaper than Corona.

$1,412/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,136/mo ↑ 51%
$79,234/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$106,438/yr ↑ 34%
$355,300 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$656,500 ↑ 85%
$1,434/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,280/mo ↑ 59%
288,465
Population
158,839

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Corona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $724/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $8,688/year.

Median household income is $27,204/year higher in Corona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $656,500 in Corona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Corona — common questions

Is Durham or Corona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Corona?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Corona it's $2,136/month — a difference of $724/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Corona?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $106,438 in Corona. Median household income is $27,204/year higher in Corona.
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 Corona?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Corona has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,136/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Corona details →

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