Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Sunnyvale, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Durham is 69% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,412/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 117%
$79,234/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 130%
$355,300 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 411%
$1,434/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 110%
288,465
Population
153,455

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,653/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $19,836/year.

Median household income is $102,628/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Durham or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,653/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $102,628/year higher in Sunnyvale.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Sunnyvale details →

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