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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Durham is 54% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,412/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 72%
$79,234/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 51%
$355,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 195%
$1,434/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 70%
288,465
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,012/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $12,144/year.

Median household income is $40,651/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Durham or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,012/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $40,651/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Huntington Beach details →

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