Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Durham is 36% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,412/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 35%
$79,234/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 36%
$355,300 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 100%
$1,434/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 27%
288,465
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $28,138/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Durham or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $28,138/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Scottsdale details →

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