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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

San Diego is 88% more expensive than Durham.

$2,223/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 36%
$104,321/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 24%
$848,500 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 58%
$2,308/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 38%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $25,087/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Durham — common questions

Is San Diego or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Durham?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Durham?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $25,087/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Durham details →

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