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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Durham is 14% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,412/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 21%
$79,234/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 23%
$355,300 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 8%
$1,434/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 24%
288,465
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $17,953/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Durham or Round Rock 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 Round Rock?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Round Rock?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $17,953/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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