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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Riverside is 37% more expensive than Durham.

$1,812/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 22%
$88,575/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 11%
$542,100 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 34%
$1,880/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 24%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $9,341/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Durham — common questions

Is Riverside or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Durham?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Durham?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $9,341/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Durham details →

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