Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Durham is 19% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,412/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 5%
$79,234/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 14%
$355,300 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 34%
$1,434/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 6%
288,465
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $11,476/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Hampton — common questions

Is Durham or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Hampton?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Hampton?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $11,476/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Hampton details →

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