Quick answer
Durham costs $1175/month less overall ($1,805 vs $2,980/mo). Durham also has lower state income tax (4.75% vs Up to 13.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Durham vs Los Angeles
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Durham vs Los Angeles at a Glance
| Metric | Durham | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $3,200 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 ✓ | $3,200 |
| Median Home Price | $425K ✓ | $850K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $135 ✓ | $140 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $320 ✓ | $440 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,805 ✓ | $2,980 |
| Walk Score | 64/100 | 68/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 38/100 | 53/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% ✓ | Up to 13.3% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Durham's 1BR averages $1,350/month vs $2,400 in Los Angeles — a $1,050/month difference, or $12,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Durham charges 4.75% state income tax vs Up to 13.3% in Los Angeles. On an $80K salary that's a $6,840/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $15,960 vs $5,700 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Durham are $425K vs $850K in Los Angeles. At a 20% down payment, that's a $85,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Los Angeles utilities run $5 more per month than Durham.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Durham, NC
Durham's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
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.
Los Angeles
Mediterranean: mild year-round (65–85°F); occasional heat waves; minimal rain Oct–May
Job Market
Durham top industries
Los Angeles top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
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
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Los Angeles if…
- →You're a entertainment industry workers
- →You're a creatives
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a entrepreneurs
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durham or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Durham is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,805 in Durham vs $2,980 in Los Angeles — a $1175/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Durham or Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is more walkable with a Walk Score of 68/100 vs 64/100. Durham is more car-dependent.
Durham vs Los Angeles: which has lower state income tax?
Durham has lower state income tax (4.75%). On an $80K salary, that saves $6,840/year vs Los Angeles (Up to 13.3%).
Is Durham or Los Angeles better for buying a home?
Durham has lower median home prices at $425K vs $850K in Los Angeles — a $425,000 difference on the median home.