Quick answer
Cleveland costs $275/month less overall ($1,530 vs $1,805/mo). Cleveland also has lower state income tax (Up to 3.99% vs 4.75%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Cleveland vs Durham
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Cleveland vs Durham at a Glance
| Metric | Cleveland | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,050 ✓ | $1,650 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,320 ✓ | $1,650 |
| Median Home Price | $185K ✓ | $425K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $140 | $135 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $340 | $320 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,530 ✓ | $1,805 |
| Walk Score | 56/100 | 64/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 42/100 ✓ | 38/100 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 3.99% ✓ | 4.75% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Cleveland's 1BR averages $1,050/month vs $1,350 in Durham — a $300/month difference, or $3,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Cleveland charges Up to 3.99% state income tax vs 4.75% in Durham. On an $80K salary that's a $608/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,700 vs $4,788 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Cleveland are $185K vs $425K in Durham. At a 20% down payment, that's a $48,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Cleveland utilities run $5 more per month than Durham. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Durham, NC
Durham's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Cleveland
Cold cloudy winters with lake-effect snow from Lake Erie; warm summers; exceptional fall colors
Durham
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers (85-90°F) and mild winters (45-55°F). Approximately 100 humid days annually; moderate precipitation year-round.
Job Market
Cleveland top industries
Durham top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Cleveland if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a manufacturing professionals
- →You're a value-seekers
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts (Lake Erie)
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Durham if…
- →You're a Biotech & pharma professionals
- →You're a Life sciences researchers
- →You're a Academics
- →You're a Young professionals seeking affordable big-city vibe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Durham cheaper to live in?
Cleveland is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,530 in Cleveland vs $1,805 in Durham — a $275/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Cleveland or Durham?
Durham is more walkable with a Walk Score of 64/100 vs 56/100. Cleveland is more car-dependent.
Cleveland vs Durham: which has lower state income tax?
Cleveland has lower state income tax (Up to 3.99%). On an $80K salary, that saves $608/year vs Durham (4.75%).
Is Cleveland or Durham better for buying a home?
Cleveland has lower median home prices at $185K vs $425K in Durham — a $240,000 difference on the median home.