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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Durham is 19% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,412/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 23%
$79,234/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 2%
$355,300 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 23%
$1,434/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 28%
288,465
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $1,917/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Durham or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Palmdale?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $324/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Palmdale?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $1,917/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Palmdale

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona