Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Yonkers, NY (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Yonkers

New York
133

Durham is 21% cheaper than Yonkers.

$1,412/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,730/mo ↑ 23%
$79,234/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$81,816/yr ↑ 3%
$355,300 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$478,000 ↑ 35%
$1,434/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,759/mo ↑ 23%
288,465
Population
209,529

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Yonkers, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 133 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $2,582/year higher in Yonkers. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $478,000 in Yonkers.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Yonkers — common questions

Is Durham or Yonkers cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Yonkers?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Yonkers it's $1,730/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Yonkers?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $81,816 in Yonkers. Median household income is $2,582/year higher in Yonkers.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New York?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Yonkers?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with rent of $1,730/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Yonkers details →

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