Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Durham is 39% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,412/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 56%
$79,234/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 36%
$355,300 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 73%
$1,434/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 64%
288,465
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $795/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $9,540/year.

Median household income is $28,240/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Stamford — common questions

Is Durham or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Stamford?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $795/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Stamford?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $28,240/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Stamford

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs