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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Durham is 18% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,412/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 29%
$79,234/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 21%
$355,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 14%
$1,434/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 25%
288,465
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $17,023/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Richardson — common questions

Is Durham or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Richardson?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Richardson?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $17,023/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Richardson details →

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