Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Durham is 10% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,412/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 5%
$79,234/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 5%
$355,300 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 40%
$1,434/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 3%
288,465
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $4,309/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Durham or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $4,309/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Utah?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Salt Lake City details →

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