Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Durham, NC (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Newark is 5% cheaper than Durham.

$1,330/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 6%
$48,416/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 64%
$337,800 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 5%
$1,419/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 1%
307,188
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $30,818/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Durham — common questions

Is Newark or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Durham?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Durham?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $30,818/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Durham

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo