Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Durham, NC (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Seattle is 87% more expensive than Durham.

$1,998/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 29%
$121,984/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 35%
$912,100 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 61%
$2,220/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 35%
741,440
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $586/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $7,032/year.

Median household income is $42,750/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Durham — common questions

Is Seattle or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Durham?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $586/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Durham?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $42,750/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and North Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Durham details →

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