Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Tallahassee, FL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Tallahassee

Florida
87

Durham is 21% more expensive than Tallahassee.

$1,412/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,238/mo ↓ 12%
$79,234/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$55,931/yr ↓ 29%
$355,300 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$276,000 ↓ 22%
$1,434/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,237/mo ↓ 14%
288,465
Population
199,696

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Tallahassee, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Tallahassee, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $23,303/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $276,000 in Tallahassee.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Tallahassee — common questions

Is Durham or Tallahassee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tallahassee is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Tallahassee?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Tallahassee it's $1,238/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Tallahassee?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $55,931 in Tallahassee. Median household income is $23,303/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Tallahassee?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Tallahassee has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,238/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Tallahassee details →

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