Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Durham and South Fulton have a similar cost of living.

$1,412/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 14%
$79,234/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 3%
$355,300 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 24%
$1,434/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 7%
288,465
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $2,564/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Durham or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and South Fulton?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or South Fulton?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $2,564/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View South Fulton details →

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