Quick answer
Durham costs $400/month less overall ($1,805 vs $2,205/mo). But Austin's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $3,800/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Austin 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: October 21, 2026
Austin vs Durham at a Glance
| Metric | Austin | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 | $1,650 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,100 | $1,650 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $548K | $425K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $175 | $135 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $380 | $320 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,205 | $1,805 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 41/100 | 64/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 34/100 | 38/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | 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: Durham's 1BR averages $1,350/month vs $1,650 in Austin — a $300/month difference, or $3,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Austin 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 Durham are $425K vs $548K in Austin. At a 20% down payment, that's a $24,600 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Austin utilities run $40 more per month than Durham. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Austin, TX
Austin 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
Austin
300+ sunny days; summers run 100–110°F for 60+ days June–September; mild short winters; ERCOT grid has blackout history in extreme weather
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
Austin top industries
Durham top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Austin if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a young professionals
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a musicians
- →You want zero state income tax
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Durham cheaper to live in?
Durham is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,805 in Durham vs $2,205 in Austin — a $400/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Austin or Durham?
Durham is more walkable with a Walk Score of 64/100 vs 41/100. Austin is more car-dependent.
Austin vs Durham: which has lower state income tax?
Austin has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,800/year vs Durham (4.75%).
Is Austin or Durham better for buying a home?
Durham has lower median home prices at $425K vs $548K in Austin — a $123,000 difference on the median home.