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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Durham is 47% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,412/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 76%
$79,234/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 51%
$355,300 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 103%
$1,434/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 85%
288,465
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,074/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $12,888/year.

Median household income is $40,692/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Durham or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,074/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $40,692/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

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Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge