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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Durham is 57% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,412/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 29%
$79,234/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↓ 20%
$355,300 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 49%
$1,434/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 26%
288,465
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $15,970/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Laredo — common questions

Is Durham or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Laredo?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Laredo?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $15,970/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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Laredo details →

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