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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Durham is 52% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,412/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 57%
$79,234/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 31%
$355,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 194%
$1,434/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 63%
288,465
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $806/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $9,672/year.

Median household income is $24,544/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Durham or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Pasadena?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $806/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Pasadena?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $24,544/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Pasadena details →

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