Morrisville, NC vs. Durham, NC: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Morrisville or Durham? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Morrisville and Durham, NC. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of living in these two cities in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest expense in most household budgets. Here’s how Morrisville and Durham compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Morrisville | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $2,100 | $2,400 |
🏆 Winner: Morrisville. Housing costs are about 10-15% lower in Morrisville compared to Durham for both renting and buying. See a full breakdown of average monthly expenses in Morrisville, NC.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Morrisville having slightly lower electricity and water/sewer rates. Expect to pay around $180-$220 per month for a 2BR apartment in both cities, with costs rising in the summer due to air conditioning usage.
🏆 Winner: Morrisville, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs and everyday expenses like dining out, entertainment, and goods are nearly identical in Morrisville and Durham. An average family of four can expect to spend around $800-$1000 per month on groceries in either city.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There is no significant difference in grocery and daily living costs.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a property tax rate around 1% of assessed home value. Durham has slightly higher vehicle registration fees. HOA fees are common in both cities for many neighborhoods and condos, typically ranging from $100-$400 per month.
🏆 Winner: Morrisville. While taxes are very close, Morrisville gets the slight edge for lower vehicle fees.
5. Cost Summary
| Expense | Morrisville | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage) | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $220 | $240 |
| Groceries | $900 | $900 |
| Transportation | $500 | $550 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $650 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,820 | $5,240 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Morrisville offers more affordable housing and slightly more space for the money compared to Durham. However, Durham has better public transportation and walkability. Commute times are about 10 minutes longer on average in Durham.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Morrisville more affordable than Durham?
A: Yes, the overall cost of living is about 5-10% lower in Morrisville, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Morrisville has lower rental rates, with a typical 2BR apartment renting for about $150 less per month than in Durham.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Morrisville also has lower home prices and mortgage costs. Buying a home is about 10-15% cheaper in Morrisville.
8. Conclusion
In summary, Morrisville offers a lower overall cost of living compared to Durham, primarily due to more affordable housing costs for both renting and buying. The cities are very comparable for utilities, groceries, and other daily expenses.
Morrisville may be a better fit for those prioritizing housing affordability and more space. Durham could appeal more to those who value public transit, walkability, and a slightly more urban feel. To see how Morrisville compares to other North Carolina cities, check out this full cost of living breakdown for Morrisville.
Whichever city you choose, be sure to compare moving company costs to get the best deal and service when relocating. We hope this comparison of the cost of living in Morrisville vs Durham helps you make an informed decision that fits your budget and lifestyle!