Median rent is 25% lower in Durham ($1,412/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Durham, where the median home runs $355,300 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $79,234 a year). Taken together, Durham is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.1 against 113.3 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Durham, NC.
Quick verdict
Durham is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.1 in Durham vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Durham, NC
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Durham, NC?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$89,376
You'd need $14,376 more (19% higher).
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
Durham
North Carolina
Los Angeles
California
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Durham — median rent of $1,412/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $355,300 in Durham — 60% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 13.30% in California, so Durham is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 7.25% in California; Durham has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Durham
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Durham has cleaner air on average: 55.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 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 113.3).
Pick Durham if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,412/mo median).
Pick Durham if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 55.0).
Pick Durham if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Durham cheaper than Los Angeles?
Durham is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.1 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Durham.
How much is rent in Durham vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,412/mo in Durham, NC and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Durham, NC has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Durham or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham, NC and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA 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: 55.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Durham or Los Angeles?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and California's is 13.30%. Durham, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Durham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Durham, NC is equivalent to roughly $119,167 in Los Angeles, CA (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