Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Durham is 26% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,412/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 24%
$79,234/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 8%
$355,300 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 54%
$1,434/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 21%
288,465
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $6,555/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Durham or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Lakewood?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Lakewood?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $6,555/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Lakewood details →

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