Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Eugene, OR (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Durham is 5% cheaper than Eugene.

$1,412/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↓ 5%
$79,234/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 19%
$355,300 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$435,400 ↑ 23%
$1,434/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ≈ Same
288,465
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $15,398/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Eugene — common questions

Is Durham or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Eugene?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Eugene?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $15,398/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oregon?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Eugene details →

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