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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Durham is 12% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,412/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 15%
$79,234/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 2%
$355,300 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 19%
$1,434/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 8%
288,465
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $1,591/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Tempe — common questions

Is Durham or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Tempe?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Tempe?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $1,591/year higher in Durham.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Tempe details →

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