Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Durham is 33% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,412/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 10%
$79,234/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 18%
$355,300 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 42%
$1,434/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 18%
288,465
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $14,042/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Durham or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Dearborn?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Dearborn?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $14,042/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Dearborn details →

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