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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Visalia

California
104

Durham and Visalia have a similar cost of living.

$1,412/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 1%
$79,234/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$79,952/yr ≈ Same
$355,300 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 4%
$1,434/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ↑ 5%
288,465
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $718/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Visalia — common questions

Is Durham or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Visalia is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Visalia?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Visalia?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $718/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Visalia details →

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