Quick answer
Overland Park costs $210/month less overall ($1,595 vs $1,805/mo). But Durham's 4.75% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $760/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Durham vs Overland Park
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 Overland Park at a Glance
| Metric | Durham | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 | $1,450 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 | $1,450 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $425K | $395K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $135 | $125 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $320 ✓ | $320 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,805 | $1,595 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 64/100 ✓ | 58/100 |
| Transit Score | 38/100 ✓ | 32/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% ✓ | 5.7% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Overland Park's 1BR averages $1,150/month vs $1,350 in Durham — a $200/month difference, or $2,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Durham charges 4.75% state income tax vs 5.7% in Overland Park. On an $80K salary that's a $760/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,840 vs $5,700 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Overland Park are $395K vs $425K in Durham. At a 20% down payment, that's a $6,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Durham utilities run $10 more per month than Overland Park. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Durham, NC
Durham's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Overland Park, KS
Overland Park 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.
Overland Park
Cold, snowy winters (20°F average, 15 inches snow) and hot, humid summers (90°F). Spring brings severe thunderstorms and tornado risk; fall is mild and pleasant.
Job Market
Durham top industries
Overland Park 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 Overland Park if…
- →You're a Families with children (top-rated schools)
- →You're a Corporate professionals
- →You're a Remote workers seeking Midwest affordability
- →You're a People prioritizing school quality and safety
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durham or Overland Park cheaper to live in?
Overland Park is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,595 in Overland Park vs $1,805 in Durham — a $210/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Durham or Overland Park?
Durham is more walkable with a Walk Score of 64/100 vs 58/100. Overland Park is more car-dependent.
Durham vs Overland Park: which has lower state income tax?
Durham has lower state income tax (4.75%). On an $80K salary, that saves $760/year vs Overland Park (5.7%).
Is Durham or Overland Park better for buying a home?
Overland Park has lower median home prices at $395K vs $425K in Durham — a $30,000 difference on the median home.