Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Rancho Cucamonga, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Durham is 42% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,412/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 62%
$79,234/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 38%
$355,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 95%
$1,434/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 62%
288,465
Population
174,693

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $30,277/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Durham or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $30,277/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

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