Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs San Bernardino, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Durham is 4% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,412/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 1%
$79,234/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 19%
$355,300 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 8%
$1,434/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 3%
288,465
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,246/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Durham or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $15,246/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View San Bernardino details →

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