Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Lehigh Acres, FL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Durham is 11% more expensive than Lehigh Acres.

$1,412/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 6%
$79,234/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 21%
$355,300 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$263,200 ↓ 26%
$1,434/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↓ 7%
288,465
Population
127,391

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $16,904/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Durham or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lehigh Acres is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $16,904/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Lehigh Acres details →

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