Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Durham is 15% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,412/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 5%
$79,234/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 15%
$355,300 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 30%
$1,434/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 16%
288,465
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $11,713/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Durham or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $11,713/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Palm Bay details →

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Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock