Median rent is 0% lower in Durham ($1,508/mo vs $1,509/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fort Worth, where the median home runs $303,000 versus $392,800. Households earn more in Durham ($81,619 vs $79,507 a year). Taken together, Durham is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 102.5 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Durham, NC.
Cost of living verdict
Durham is 10% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.9 in Durham vs 102.5 in Fort Worth (US national average = 100)
City A
Durham, NC
City B
Fort Worth, TX
How much would you need to earn in Fort Worth, TX to maintain your standard of living from Durham, NC?
Equivalent salary in Fort Worth, TX
$83,617
You'd need $8,617 more (11% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Durham
North Carolina
Fort Worth
Texas
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,508/mo in Durham and $1,509/mo in Fort Worth. Home buyers face a steeper market in Durham: the median home is $392,800 versus $303,000 in Fort Worth — 23% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Durham
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Fort Worth
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Durham (avg AQI 33.0) but not yet for Fort Worth.
Pick Durham if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.9 vs 102.5).
Is Durham cheaper than Fort Worth?
Durham is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Durham.
How much is rent in Durham vs Fort Worth?
Median rent is $1,508/mo in Durham, NC and $1,509/mo in Fort Worth, TX. Durham, NC has the lower rent by about 0%.
Which has higher salaries — Durham or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $81,619 in Durham, NC and $79,507 in Fort Worth, TX. Durham, NC 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Durham or Fort Worth?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Fort Worth to match my Durham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Durham, NC is equivalent to roughly $111,489 in Fort Worth, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
