Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Durham, NC (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Washington is 63% more expensive than Durham.

$1,900/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 26%
$106,287/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 25%
$724,600 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 51%
$2,103/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 32%
672,079
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $27,053/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Durham — common questions

Is Washington or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Durham?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Durham?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $27,053/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and North Carolina?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Durham details →

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