Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Durham, NC (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Tampa is 8% more expensive than Durham.

$1,567/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 10%
$71,302/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 11%
$375,300 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 5%
$1,553/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 8%
393,389
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $7,932/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Durham — common questions

Is Tampa or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Durham?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Durham?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $7,932/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Florida and North Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Durham details →

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