Question 1

Is Durham or Plano cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Durham, NC is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $84/month less than in Plano, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,711/mo in Durham versus $1,792/mo in Plano.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Durham vs Plano?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $76,500/year before tax in Durham, NC and $74,500/year in Plano, TX — a difference of about $2,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Durham or Plano cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Durham, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,503/month in Durham and $9,875/month in Plano, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Durham or Plano?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Durham costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Durham63	Plano79
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,138	$4,222
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,503	$9,875
Salary for comfort	$76,500/yr	$74,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,711	$1,792
Median home value	$355,300	$440,600
Median household income	$79,234	$108,649
Unemployment	3.2%	4.5%
Housing score	56	77
Jobs score	65	55
Safety score	35	92
Climate score	100	96
Amenities score	28	63
Population	288.5K	287.3K
Summer high / winter low	90° / 31°	94° / 32°

Durham, NC vs Plano, TX