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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Fresno is 4% cheaper than Durham.

$1,324/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 7%
$66,804/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 19%
$348,500 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 2%
$1,391/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 3%
543,615
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $12,430/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Durham — common questions

Is Fresno or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Durham?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Durham?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $12,430/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Durham details →

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