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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Durham is 40% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,412/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 40%
$79,234/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 14%
$355,300 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 115%
$1,434/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 41%
288,465
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $10,932/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Durham or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $10,932/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Garden Grove details →

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