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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Durham is 40% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,412/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 19%
$79,234/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 26%
$355,300 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 45%
$1,434/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 18%
288,465
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $20,895/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Killeen — common questions

Is Durham or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Killeen?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Killeen?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $20,895/year higher in Durham.
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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Killeen details →

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