Quick answer
Durham costs $280/month less overall ($1,805 vs $2,085/mo). But Orlando's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $3,800/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Durham vs Orlando
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
Durham vs Orlando at a Glance
| Metric | Durham | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $1,980 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 ✓ | $1,980 |
| Median Home Price | $425K | $370K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $135 ✓ | $165 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $320 ✓ | $340 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,805 ✓ | $2,085 |
| Walk Score | 64/100 ✓ | 41/100 |
| Transit Score | 38/100 ✓ | 30/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% | None ✓ |
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 $1,580 in Orlando — a $230/month difference, or $2,760/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Orlando charges None state income tax vs 4.75% in Durham. On an $80K salary that's a $3,800/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,700 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Orlando are $370K vs $425K in Durham. At a 20% down payment, that's a $11,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Orlando utilities run $30 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
Orlando, FL
Orlando is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
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.
Orlando
Subtropical: hot humid summers with daily afternoon thunderstorms; mild dry winters (60s°F)
Job Market
Durham top industries
Orlando 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
Move to Orlando if…
- →You're a hospitality / tourism workers
- →You're a healthcare professionals
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a families
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durham or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Durham is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,805 in Durham vs $2,085 in Orlando — a $280/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Durham or Orlando?
Durham is more walkable with a Walk Score of 64/100 vs 41/100. Orlando is more car-dependent.
Durham vs Orlando: which has lower state income tax?
Orlando has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,800/year vs Durham (4.75%).
Is Durham or Orlando better for buying a home?
Orlando has lower median home prices at $370K vs $425K in Durham — a $55,000 difference on the median home.