Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs High Point, NC (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Durham is 44% more expensive than High Point.

$1,412/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 25%
$79,234/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 23%
$355,300 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 40%
$1,434/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 24%
288,465
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $18,006/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs High Point — common questions

Is Durham or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and High Point?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or High Point?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $18,006/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and High Point

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles