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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Ontario

California
152

Durham is 31% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,412/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 36%
$79,234/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 5%
$355,300 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 60%
$1,434/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 37%
288,465
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $504/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $6,048/year.

Median household income is $3,572/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Ontario — common questions

Is Durham or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Ontario?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $504/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Ontario?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $3,572/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Ontario

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