Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Warren, MI (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Warren

Michigan
73

Durham is 44% more expensive than Warren.

$1,412/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,184/mo ↓ 16%
$79,234/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$63,741/yr ↓ 20%
$355,300 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$181,900 ↓ 49%
$1,434/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,098/mo ↓ 23%
288,465
Population
138,128

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Warren, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Warren, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $15,493/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $181,900 in Warren.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Warren slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Warren — common questions

Is Durham or Warren cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Warren is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Warren?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Warren it's $1,184/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Warren?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $63,741 in Warren. Median household income is $15,493/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Warren?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Warren has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,184/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Warren details →

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