Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Tyler, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Durham is 33% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,412/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 15%
$79,234/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 17%
$355,300 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 39%
$1,434/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 18%
288,465
Population
107,718

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $13,707/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Tyler — common questions

Is Durham or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Tyler?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Tyler?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $13,707/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Tyler details →

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