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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Durham is 30% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,412/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 14%
$79,234/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 42%
$355,300 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 34%
$1,434/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 19%
288,465
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $33,623/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Durham or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Gainesville?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Gainesville?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $33,623/year higher in Durham.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Gainesville details →

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