Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Durham is 23% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,412/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 18%
$79,234/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 6%
$355,300 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 54%
$1,434/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 18%
288,465
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $4,364/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Durham or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $4,364/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Fort Collins details →

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