Santa Ana, CA vs Durham, NC: 163 vs 105

$1,975/mo ↑ 40%

Median Rent

$1,412/mo ↓ 29%

$88,354/yr ↑ 12%

Median Income

$79,234/yr ↓ 10%

$657,800 ↑ 85%

Home Value

$355,300 ↓ 46%

$1,965/mo ↑ 37%

Owner Costs

$1,434/mo ↓ 27%

311,639

Population

288,465

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $563/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $6,756/year.

Median household income is $9,120/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Durham — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Durham cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Durham?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $563/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Durham?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $9,120/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Durham?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Durham

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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