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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Orange

California
206

Durham is 49% cheaper than Orange.

$1,412/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 59%
$79,234/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 48%
$355,300 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 154%
$1,434/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 67%
288,465
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $840/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $10,080/year.

Median household income is $37,711/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Orange — common questions

Is Durham or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Orange?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $840/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Orange?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $37,711/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Orange details →

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