Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Durham is 6% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,412/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 4%
$79,234/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 19%
$355,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 11%
$1,434/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 8%
288,465
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $15,360/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Durham or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $15,360/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Elizabeth details →

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