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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Durham is 3% more expensive than Glendale.

$1,412/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 1%
$79,234/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 11%
$355,300 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 2%
$1,434/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 5%
288,465
Population
250,193

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
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,095/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Glendale — common questions

Is Durham or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Glendale?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Glendale?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $9,095/year higher in Durham.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Glendale details →

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