Median rent is 3% lower in Jacksonville ($1,465/mo vs $1,508/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jacksonville, where the median home runs $293,700 versus $392,800. Households earn more in Durham ($81,619 vs $69,872 a year). Taken together, Durham is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 99.6 — about 8% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Durham, NC.
Cost of living verdict
Durham is 8% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.9 in Durham vs 99.6 in Jacksonville (US national average = 100)
City A
Durham, NC
City B
Jacksonville, FL
How much would you need to earn in Jacksonville, FL to maintain your standard of living from Durham, NC?
Equivalent salary in Jacksonville, FL
$81,296
You'd need $6,296 more (8% 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
Jacksonville
Florida
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 $1,465/mo in Jacksonville. Home buyers face a steeper market in Durham: the median home is $392,800 versus $293,700 in Jacksonville — 25% 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
Jacksonville
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Durham has cleaner air on average: 33.0 AQI (Good) compared to 51.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Durham if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.9 vs 99.6).
Pick Durham if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,619/yr).
Pick Durham if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 33.0).
Is Durham cheaper than Jacksonville?
Durham is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 99.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 8% lower in Durham.
How much is rent in Durham vs Jacksonville?
Median rent is $1,508/mo in Durham, NC and $1,465/mo in Jacksonville, FL. Jacksonville, FL has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Durham or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $81,619 in Durham, NC and $69,872 in Jacksonville, FL. 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?
Durham, NC has better air quality on average: 33.0 AQI versus 51.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Durham or Jacksonville?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Jacksonville to match my Durham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Durham, NC is equivalent to roughly $108,395 in Jacksonville, FL (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
