Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Durham is 84% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,412/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 33%
$79,234/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 34%
$355,300 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 64%
$1,434/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 36%
288,465
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $26,983/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Evansville — common questions

Is Durham or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Evansville?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Evansville?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $26,983/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Indiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Evansville

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow