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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Glendale

California
214

Durham is 51% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,412/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 48%
$79,234/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 6%
$355,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 194%
$1,434/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 54%
288,465
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $683/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $8,196/year.

Median household income is $5,028/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham 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, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 214 (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 $2,095/month — a difference of $683/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Glendale?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $5,028/year higher in Glendale.
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 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 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Glendale details →

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