Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Durham is 75% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,412/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 35%
$79,234/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 42%
$355,300 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 54%
$1,434/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 37%
288,465
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $33,250/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Springfield — common questions

Is Durham or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Springfield?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Springfield?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $33,250/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Missouri?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Springfield details →

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