Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Durham is 7% cheaper than Port St. Lucie.

$1,412/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↑ 26%
$79,234/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↓ 1%
$355,300 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$327,700 ↓ 8%
$1,434/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↑ 5%
288,465
Population
220,453

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $369/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,428/year.

Median household income is $1,097/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Port St. Lucie residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Durham or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $369/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $1,097/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Port St. Lucie details →

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