Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Denton, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Durham is 5% more expensive than Denton.

$1,412/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 5%
$79,234/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 7%
$355,300 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 8%
$1,434/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 2%
288,465
Population
146,987

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $5,515/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Denton residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Denton — common questions

Is Durham or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Denton?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Denton?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $5,515/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Denton details →

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