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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Durham is 40% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,412/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 65%
$79,234/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 39%
$355,300 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 71%
$1,434/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 66%
288,465
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $918/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $11,016/year.

Median household income is $30,546/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Durham or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Murrieta?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $918/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Murrieta?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $30,546/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Murrieta details →

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