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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Durham is 37% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,412/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 55%
$79,234/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 29%
$355,300 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 67%
$1,434/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 55%
288,465
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $779/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $9,348/year.

Median household income is $23,087/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Durham or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Fairfield?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $779/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Fairfield?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $23,087/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Fairfield details →

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