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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Los Angeles is 78% more expensive than Durham.

$1,879/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 25%
$80,366/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 1%
$879,500 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 60%
$2,055/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 30%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $1,132/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Durham — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Durham?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Durham?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $1,132/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

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