Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Durham is 17% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,412/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 36%
$79,234/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 18%
$355,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 11%
$1,434/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 11%
288,465
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $14,137/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Surprise — common questions

Is Durham or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Surprise?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Surprise?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $14,137/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Surprise

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite