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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

San Jose is 142% more expensive than Durham.

$2,617/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 46%
$141,565/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 44%
$1,187,800 ↑ 234%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 70%
$2,775/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 48%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,205/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $14,460/year.

Median household income is $62,331/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Durham — common questions

Is San Jose or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Durham?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $1,205/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Durham?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $62,331/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Durham details →

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