Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV vs Durham, NC (2026)

Las Vegas

Nevada
111
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Las Vegas is 6% more expensive than Durham.

$1,456/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 3%
$70,723/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 12%
$395,300 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 10%
$1,452/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 1%
650,873
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Vegas, NV and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,511/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Vegas is $395,300 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Vegas vs Durham — common questions

Is Las Vegas or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Vegas and Durham?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $1,456/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Vegas or Durham?
Median household income is $70,723 in Las Vegas and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $8,511/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and North Carolina?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Las Vegas or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,456/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 Las Vegas details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

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