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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Durham is 46% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,412/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 50%
$79,234/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 32%
$355,300 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 142%
$1,434/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 57%
288,465
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $712/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $8,544/year.

Median household income is $24,985/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Durham or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Fullerton?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $712/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Fullerton?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $24,985/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Fullerton details →

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