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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Irvine is 144% more expensive than Durham.

$2,893/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 51%
$129,647/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 39%
$1,115,400 ↑ 214%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 68%
$2,904/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 51%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,481/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $17,772/year.

Median household income is $50,413/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Durham — common questions

Is Irvine or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Durham?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $1,481/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Durham?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $50,413/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Durham details →

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