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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Sacramento is 26% more expensive than Durham.

$1,694/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 17%
$83,753/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 5%
$484,600 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 27%
$1,752/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 18%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $4,519/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Durham — common questions

Is Sacramento or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Durham?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $282/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Durham?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $4,519/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Durham details →

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