Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Grand Prairie, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Grand Prairie

Texas
98

Durham is 7% more expensive than Grand Prairie.

$1,412/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,470/mo ↑ 4%
$79,234/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$78,889/yr ≈ Same
$355,300 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$272,200 ↓ 23%
$1,434/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,480/mo ↑ 3%
288,465
Population
198,564

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Grand Prairie, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $345/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $272,200 in Grand Prairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Grand Prairie — common questions

Is Durham or Grand Prairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Prairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Grand Prairie?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Grand Prairie it's $1,470/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Grand Prairie?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $78,889 in Grand Prairie. Median household income is $345/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Grand Prairie?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,470/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Grand Prairie details →

More Comparisons

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Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Grand Prairie vs. Sunrise Manor Grand Prairie vs. Montgomery Grand Prairie vs. Birmingham Grand Prairie vs. Grand Rapids Grand Prairie vs. Tallahassee Grand Prairie vs. Sioux Falls