Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Durham is 17% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,412/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 19%
$79,234/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 17%
$355,300 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 8%
$1,434/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 15%
288,465
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $271/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $3,252/year.

Median household income is $13,489/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Spokane — common questions

Is Durham or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Spokane?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $271/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Spokane?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $13,489/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Spokane details →

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