Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Independence, MO (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Durham is 57% more expensive than Independence.

$1,412/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 25%
$79,234/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 25%
$355,300 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 53%
$1,434/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 27%
288,465
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $351/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $4,212/year.

Median household income is $19,754/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Independence — common questions

Is Durham or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Independence?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $351/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Independence?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $19,754/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Missouri?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Independence details →

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