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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Fremont

California
278

Durham is 62% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,412/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 106%
$79,234/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 123%
$355,300 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 263%
$1,434/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 109%
288,465
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,493/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $17,916/year.

Median household income is $97,116/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Fremont — common questions

Is Durham or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Fremont?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,493/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Fremont?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $97,116/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Fremont details →

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