Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Durham, NC (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Tucson is 28% cheaper than Durham.

$1,079/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 31%
$54,546/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 45%
$242,200 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 47%
$1,076/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 33%
543,348
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $333/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $3,996/year.

Median household income is $24,688/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tucson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Durham — common questions

Is Tucson or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Durham?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $333/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Durham?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $24,688/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tucson and Durham

Tucson vs. Fresno Tucson vs. Sacramento Tucson vs. Albuquerque Tucson vs. Kansas City Tucson vs. Milwaukee Tucson vs. Mesa Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo