Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Durham is 22% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,412/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 1%
$79,234/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 14%
$355,300 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 73%
$1,434/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 2%
288,465
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,856/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Durham or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $10,856/year higher in Durham.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View East Los Angeles details →

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