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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Durham is 32% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,412/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 43%
$79,234/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 13%
$355,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 57%
$1,434/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 44%
288,465
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $10,262/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Durham or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Vallejo?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Vallejo?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $10,262/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Vallejo details →

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