Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Durham is 66% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,412/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 111%
$79,234/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 119%
$355,300 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 330%
$1,434/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 113%
288,465
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,573/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $18,876/year.

Median household income is $94,436/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Durham or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,573/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $94,436/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Santa Clara

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville