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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Richmond

California
161

Durham is 35% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,412/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 34%
$79,234/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 14%
$355,300 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 83%
$1,434/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 41%
288,465
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $483/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $5,796/year.

Median household income is $10,804/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Richmond — common questions

Is Durham or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Richmond?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $483/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Richmond?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $10,804/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Richmond details →

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