70
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Durham wins 1–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Durham wins 0–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Charlotte is more affordable
💼 Durham has lower unemployment
🛡️ Charlotte has fewer disasters
📋 Charlotte vs Durham — The Verdict
Durham scores 71.8/100 compared to Charlotte's 70.8/100, winning 1 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Durham saves you $103/month — that's $1,236 per year.
Median Home Value
$312,800
$316,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,399
$1,296
Median Income
$74,070
$74,710
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 1% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
3.9%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
22 Good
22 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
12
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
High
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Charlotte to Durham: Common Questions
Is Charlotte or Durham cheaper to live in?
Charlotte is more affordable overall. Home prices are $3,800 lower in Charlotte. Monthly rent is $1,296 in Durham vs $1,399 in Charlotte.
Does Charlotte or Durham have better weather?
Durham scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Charlotte or Durham better for finding a job?
Durham currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.9% in Charlotte vs 3.9% in Durham. Median household income is $74,070 in Charlotte and $74,710 in Durham.
Which city is safer — Charlotte or Durham?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Charlotte is safer. Charlotte has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Durham. Charlotte scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Durham.
Should I move from Charlotte to Durham?
Based on our data, Durham scores 71.8/100 vs Charlotte's 70.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Durham is more affordable, while Durham has a better climate.
Planning to move from Charlotte to Durham?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.