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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Oceanside

California
179

Durham is 41% cheaper than Oceanside.

$1,412/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 56%
$79,234/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$93,724/yr ↑ 18%
$355,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$702,000 ↑ 98%
$1,434/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,232/mo ↑ 56%
288,465
Population
172,542

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
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Oceanside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $795/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $9,540/year.

Median household income is $14,490/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $702,000 in Oceanside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Oceanside — common questions

Is Durham or Oceanside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Oceanside?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Oceanside it's $2,207/month — a difference of $795/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Oceanside?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $93,724 in Oceanside. Median household income is $14,490/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Oceanside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Oceanside

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines