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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Durham is 27% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,412/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 6%
$79,234/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 8%
$355,300 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 41%
$1,434/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 13%
288,465
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $6,204/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Odessa — common questions

Is Durham or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Odessa?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Odessa?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $6,204/year higher in Durham.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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