Median rent is 9% lower in Minneapolis ($1,371/mo vs $1,508/mo). Buying is cheaper in Minneapolis, where the median home runs $362,200 versus $392,800. Households earn more in Durham ($81,619 vs $80,846 a year). Taken together, Durham is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 104.3 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Durham, NC.
Cost of living verdict
Durham is 12% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.9 in Durham vs 104.3 in Minneapolis (US national average = 100)
City A
Durham, NC
City B
Minneapolis, MN
How much would you need to earn in Minneapolis, MN to maintain your standard of living from Durham, NC?
Equivalent salary in Minneapolis, MN
$85,095
You'd need $10,095 more (13% 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
Minneapolis
Minnesota
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 rent is modestly lower in Minneapolis at $1,371/mo compared to $1,508/mo in Durham (9% gap). Median home values are within 8% of each other: $392,800 in Durham and $362,200 in Minneapolis.
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
Minneapolis
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Durham has cleaner air on average: 33.0 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 91.9 vs 104.3).
Pick Durham if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 33.0).
Is Durham cheaper than Minneapolis?
Durham is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 104.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Durham.
How much is rent in Durham vs Minneapolis?
Median rent is $1,508/mo in Durham, NC and $1,371/mo in Minneapolis, MN. Minneapolis, MN has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Durham or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $81,619 in Durham, NC and $80,846 in Minneapolis, MN. 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 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Durham or Minneapolis?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Minneapolis to match my Durham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Durham, NC is equivalent to roughly $113,461 in Minneapolis, MN (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
