Raleigh vs Durham: Cost of Living

2%

Raleigh is about 2% more expensive than Durham overall.

How Raleigh Compares to Durham

Category by category

Renting about the same
Buying ▲ 2%
Goods about the same
Services ▲ 8%

Key Facts

RaleighDurham
Median Rent$1,661/mo$1,670/mo
Median Home$450,300$439,400
Median Income$85,060$82,916
State Income Tax4.25% flat4.25% flat
Sales Tax7.25%7.5%

Housing: The Biggest Difference

Durham has the lower median home price by $10,900. Monthly rent is $9/month cheaper in Raleigh.

Compare With Your Salary

Sources: Housing from Census ACS 2024. Goods and services from BEA Regional Price Parities 2023. Taxes from Tax Foundation. Full disclaimer.

Raleigh vs Durham FAQ

Rent is $9/month cheaper in Raleigh. Raleigh's median rent is $1,661/month, while Durham's is $1,670/month. Source: Census ACS 2024.

Durham has the lower median home price at $439,400, saving $10,900 compared to Raleigh. Source: Census ACS 2024.