Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Durham is 102% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,412/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 38%
$79,234/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 40%
$355,300 ↑ 232%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 70%
$1,434/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 40%
288,465
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $532/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $6,384/year.

Median household income is $31,702/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Toledo — common questions

Is Durham or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Toledo?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $532/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Toledo?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $31,702/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Ohio?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Toledo details →

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