Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Irving, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Irving

Texas
102

Durham is 3% more expensive than Irving.

$1,412/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,517/mo ↑ 7%
$79,234/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$79,641/yr ≈ Same
$355,300 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$287,300 ↓ 19%
$1,434/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 6%
288,465
Population
255,036

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Irving, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $105/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $1,260/year.

Median household income is $407/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $287,300 in Irving.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Irving residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Irving — common questions

Is Durham or Irving cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Irving?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Irving it's $1,517/month — a difference of $105/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Irving?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $79,641 in Irving. Median household income is $407/year higher in Irving.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Irving?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Irving has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,517/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Irving details →

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