Median rent is 39% lower in Durham ($1,508/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Durham, where the median home runs $392,800 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($140,970 vs $81,619 a year). Taken together, Durham is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 117.6 — about 22% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Durham is 22% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.9 in Durham vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
Durham, NC
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Durham, NC?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$95,905
You'd need $20,905 more (28% 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
San Francisco
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Durham — median rent of $1,508/mo versus $2,476/mo in San Francisco, a 39% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $392,800 in Durham — 72% 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
San Francisco
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Durham (avg AQI 33.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Durham if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.9 vs 117.6).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,970/yr).
Pick Durham if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,508/mo median).
Is Durham cheaper than San Francisco?
Durham is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 22% lower in Durham.
How much is rent in Durham vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,508/mo in Durham, NC and $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA. Durham, NC has the lower rent by about 39%.
Which has higher salaries — Durham or San Francisco?
Median household income is $81,619 in Durham, NC and $140,970 in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Durham or San Francisco?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Durham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Durham, NC is equivalent to roughly $127,873 in San Francisco, CA (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
