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

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Orlando is 10% more expensive than Durham.

$1,650/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 14%
$69,268/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 14%
$359,000 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 1%
$1,621/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 12%
311,732
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $9,966/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Durham — common questions

Is Orlando or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Durham?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Durham?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $9,966/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 Orlando or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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 Orlando details → View Durham details →

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