Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Durham is 17% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,412/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 13%
$79,234/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 6%
$355,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 28%
$1,434/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 22%
288,465
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $4,623/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Durham or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Tacoma?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $4,623/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Tacoma details →

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