Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Durham is 20% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,412/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 26%
$79,234/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$79,935/yr ≈ Same
$355,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 28%
$1,434/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 24%
288,465
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $701/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Durham or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $701/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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