Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Durham and Worcester have a similar cost of living.

$1,412/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ≈ Same
$79,234/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 15%
$355,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 4%
$1,434/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 6%
288,465
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Worcester, MA, 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 $11,690/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Worcester — common questions

Is Durham or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Worcester?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $3/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Worcester?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $11,690/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Worcester details →

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