Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Durham is 81% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,412/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 31%
$79,234/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 34%
$355,300 ↑ 198%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 66%
$1,434/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 32%
288,465
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $27,064/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Lansing — common questions

Is Durham or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Lansing?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Lansing?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $27,064/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Lansing details →

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