Raleigh, NC vs. Durham, NC: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Raleigh vs Durham. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Raleigh vs Durham in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between cities. Here’s how Raleigh and Durham compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Raleigh | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,350 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $400,000 |
🏆 Winner: Durham has slightly lower housing costs across the board compared to Raleigh.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important monthly expense. In Raleigh and Durham, expect to pay around:
- Electricity: $120-150/month
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $70-90/month
- Internet: $60-80/month
Both cities have similar climates, so heating and cooling needs are comparable. Duke Energy, the main provider, offers off-peak usage plans that can help save.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie – utility costs are very similar between Raleigh and Durham.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, expect to spend around $900-1000/month on groceries in either Raleigh or Durham. Restaurant prices are comparable, with a nice meal out averaging $50-70 for two people.
🏆 Winner: Another tie. Raleigh and Durham have similar costs for food and daily goods.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a property tax rate around 1% of assessed value. So for a $400K home, expect to pay about $4,000/year.
In Raleigh, HOA fees often include amenities like pools and fitness centers. Durham has fewer neighborhoods with HOAs. Typical HOA fees range from $100-400/month.
🏆 Winner: Durham wins with slightly lower taxes and fewer HOA fees overall.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Expense | Raleigh | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $3,750 | $3,333 |
| Utilities | $300 | $300 |
| Groceries | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes & Fees | $500 | $450 |
| Misc Expenses | $800 | $800 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $6,850 | $6,333 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While costs are similar, Raleigh and Durham offer some lifestyle tradeoffs:
- Raleigh is more spread out with larger homes and yards
- Durham is more walkable and has better public transit
- Raleigh averages 220 sunny days per year vs Durham’s 210
7. FAQ
- Is Raleigh more affordable than Durham? Slightly more expensive overall, but fairly comparable.
- Which city has lower rent? Durham has slightly lower rent prices.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Durham homes cost about 10% less than Raleigh on average.
8. Conclusion
While Raleigh has a slightly higher cost of living overall, it’s a close race. Housing costs a bit more in Raleigh, while Durham offers savings on transportation and taxes.
Young professionals may prefer Durham’s walkability and public transit. Families wanting more space might favor Raleigh. But in the end, both cities provide a high quality of life for the price.
Budgeting for your move? Check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Raleigh Residents or full Cost of Living in Raleigh (2025 Guide).