Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Durham is 29% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,412/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 44%
$79,234/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 53%
$355,300 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 46%
$1,434/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 33%
288,465
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $42,117/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Durham or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Gilbert?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $616/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Gilbert?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $42,117/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with rent of $2,028/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Gilbert details →

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