Median rent is 15% lower in Durham ($1,412/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Durham, where the median home runs $355,300 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $79,234 a year). Taken together, Durham is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.1 against 98.8 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Durham is 4% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.1 in Durham vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Durham, NC
How much would you need to earn in Durham, NC to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Durham, NC
$72,171
You could earn $2,829 less (4% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Durham
North Carolina
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Durham at $1,412/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $355,300 in Durham — 31% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while North Carolina tops out at 4.50% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.75% in North Carolina; Durham has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Durham
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Durham if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.1 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Durham if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,412/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Durham?
Durham is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Durham.
How much is rent in Austin vs Durham?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,412/mo in Durham, NC. Durham, NC has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Durham?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $79,234 in Durham, NC. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Durham?
Texas has no state income tax. North Carolina has a top rate of 4.50%.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $96,228 in Durham, NC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology