Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Frisco, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Frisco

Texas
162

Durham is 35% cheaper than Frisco.

$1,412/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 35%
$79,234/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$146,158/yr ↑ 84%
$355,300 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$595,400 ↑ 68%
$1,434/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,389/mo ↑ 67%
288,465
Population
210,238

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Frisco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 162 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $66,924/year higher in Frisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $595,400 in Frisco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Frisco — common questions

Is Durham or Frisco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 162 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Frisco?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Frisco it's $1,902/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Frisco?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $146,158 in Frisco. Median household income is $66,924/year higher in Frisco.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Frisco?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Frisco has a cost index of 162 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Frisco details →

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