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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Oakland is 86% more expensive than Durham.

$1,917/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 26%
$97,369/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 19%
$924,700 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 62%
$2,164/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 34%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $18,135/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Durham — common questions

Is Oakland or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Durham?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Durham?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $18,135/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Durham details →

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