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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Durham is 54% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,412/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 70%
$79,234/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 39%
$355,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 197%
$1,434/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 72%
288,465
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $983/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $11,796/year.

Median household income is $30,839/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Durham or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $983/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $30,839/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Costa Mesa details →

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