Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Durham, NC (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

New York is 58% more expensive than Durham.

$1,779/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 21%
$79,713/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$79,234/yr ≈ Same
$751,700 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 53%
$1,837/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 22%
8,516,202
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $479/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Durham — common questions

Is New York or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Durham?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Durham?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $479/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and North Carolina?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Durham details →

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