Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Durham is 13% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,412/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 7%
$79,234/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 11%
$355,300 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 19%
$1,434/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 7%
288,465
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $8,533/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Rochester — common questions

Is Durham or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Rochester?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Rochester?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $8,533/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Minnesota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Rochester details →

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