Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Vancouver, WA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Durham is 15% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,412/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 16%
$79,234/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↓ 1%
$355,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 24%
$1,434/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 12%
288,465
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $1,078/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Durham or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Vancouver?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Vancouver?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $1,078/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Vancouver details →

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