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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Durham is 15% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,412/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 20%
$79,234/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 4%
$355,300 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 15%
$1,434/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 22%
288,465
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $3,151/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Durham or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Lancaster?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Lancaster?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $3,151/year higher in Durham.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Lancaster details →

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