Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Durham, NC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Philadelphia is 19% cheaper than Durham.

$1,323/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 7%
$60,698/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 31%
$232,400 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 53%
$1,233/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 16%
1,582,432
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $18,536/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Durham — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Durham?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Durham?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $18,536/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Durham details →

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