Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Reno, NV (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Durham is 14% cheaper than Reno.

$1,412/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 3%
$79,234/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ≈ Same
$355,300 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 40%
$1,434/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↑ 3%
288,465
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $786/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Reno — common questions

Is Durham or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Reno?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Reno?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $786/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Nevada?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Reno details →

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