Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Provo, UT (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Durham is 3% more expensive than Provo.

$1,412/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 18%
$79,234/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 21%
$355,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 23%
$1,434/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 15%
288,465
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $16,434/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Provo — common questions

Is Durham or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Provo?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Provo?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $16,434/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Utah?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Provo details →

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