Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Durham is 78% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,412/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 29%
$79,234/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 42%
$355,300 ↑ 184%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 65%
$1,434/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 32%
288,465
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $33,389/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Durham or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Syracuse?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Syracuse?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $33,389/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New York?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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