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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Durham is 6% more expensive than Midland.

$1,412/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ≈ Same
$79,234/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 15%
$355,300 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 16%
$1,434/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 2%
288,465
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,935/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Midland — common questions

Is Durham or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Midland?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Midland?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $11,935/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

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