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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Durham is 72% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,412/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 26%
$79,234/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 41%
$355,300 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 66%
$1,434/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 30%
288,465
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $32,606/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $120,600 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 61 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 $1,039/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Rochester?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $32,606/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New York?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% 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 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Rochester

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral