Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Durham, NC (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Miami is 23% more expensive than Durham.

$1,657/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 15%
$59,390/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 33%
$475,200 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 25%
$1,666/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 14%
446,663
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $19,844/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Durham — common questions

Is Miami or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Durham?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Durham?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $19,844/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Florida and North Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Durham details →

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