Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Durham is 12% cheaper than Gresham.

$1,412/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↑ 7%
$79,234/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 7%
$355,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 24%
$1,434/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↑ 11%
288,465
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $5,626/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Gresham — common questions

Is Durham or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Gresham?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Gresham?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $5,626/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oregon?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Gresham details →

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