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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Durham is 27% cheaper than Plano.

$1,412/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 27%
$79,234/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 37%
$355,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 24%
$1,434/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 28%
288,465
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $29,415/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Plano — common questions

Is Durham or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Plano?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Plano?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $29,415/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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