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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Ventura

California
183

Durham is 43% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,412/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 49%
$79,234/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 27%
$355,300 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 119%
$1,434/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 48%
288,465
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $689/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $8,268/year.

Median household income is $21,173/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Ventura — common questions

Is Durham or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Ventura?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $689/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Ventura?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $21,173/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Ventura details →

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