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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Durham is 13% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,412/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 25%
$79,234/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 42%
$355,300 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 7%
$1,434/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 37%
288,465
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $33,236/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Pearland — common questions

Is Durham or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Pearland?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Pearland?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $33,236/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Pearland details →

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