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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Durham is 38% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,412/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 15%
$79,234/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 19%
$355,300 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 46%
$1,434/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 20%
288,465
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $14,964/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Durham or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 105 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Pasadena?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $14,964/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Pasadena

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport