Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Durham is 12% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,412/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 21%
$79,234/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 13%
$355,300 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 4%
$1,434/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 16%
288,465
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $9,973/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Durham or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $9,973/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View West Palm Beach details →

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