Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Torrance, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Torrance

California
218

Durham is 52% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,412/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 57%
$79,234/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 43%
$355,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 192%
$1,434/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 60%
288,465
Population
143,499

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $802/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $9,624/year.

Median household income is $33,871/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Torrance — common questions

Is Durham or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Torrance?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $802/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Torrance?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $33,871/year higher in Torrance.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Torrance details →

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