Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Durham and St. Petersburg have a similar cost of living.

$1,412/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 9%
$79,234/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↓ 8%
$355,300 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 7%
$1,434/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ≈ Same
288,465
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $6,116/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Durham or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $6,116/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View St. Petersburg details →

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