Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Salem, OR (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Durham and Salem have a similar cost of living.

$1,412/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 6%
$79,234/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 9%
$355,300 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 8%
$1,434/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ≈ Same
288,465
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $7,334/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Salem — common questions

Is Durham or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Salem?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Salem?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $7,334/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oregon?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Salem details →

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