Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Elk Grove, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Durham is 38% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,412/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 54%
$79,234/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 54%
$355,300 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 70%
$1,434/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 55%
288,465
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $768/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $9,216/year.

Median household income is $42,995/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Durham or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $768/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $42,995/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

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