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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Modesto

California
120

Durham is 12% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,412/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 14%
$79,234/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 2%
$355,300 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 17%
$1,434/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 12%
288,465
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $1,335/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Modesto — common questions

Is Durham or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Modesto?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $197/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Modesto?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $1,335/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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Modesto details →

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