Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Durham, NC (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Phoenix is 4% more expensive than Durham.

$1,458/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 3%
$77,041/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 3%
$381,900 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 7%
$1,430/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ≈ Same
1,624,832
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,193/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Durham — common questions

Is Phoenix or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Durham?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Durham?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $2,193/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

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