71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
Durham wins 1–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Durham wins 1–0 overall (71/100)
💰 Durham is more affordable
💼 Raleigh has lower unemployment
📋 Durham vs Raleigh — The Verdict
Durham scores 71.8/100 compared to Raleigh's 70.2/100, winning 1 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Durham edges out with slightly lower home prices.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Durham are 9% lower — a difference of $30,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Durham saves you $75/month — that's $900 per year.
Median Home Value
$316,600
$347,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,296
$1,371
Median Income
$74,710
$78,631
Durham edges out Raleigh on housing costs by 9%, a difference of $30,400. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
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
23 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)
12
12
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Durham to Raleigh: Common Questions
Is Durham or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Durham is more affordable overall. Home prices are $30,400 lower in Durham. Monthly rent is $1,296 in Durham vs $1,371 in Raleigh.
Does Durham or Raleigh have better weather?
Durham scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Durham or Raleigh better for finding a job?
Raleigh currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.9% in Durham vs 3.9% in Raleigh. Median household income is $74,710 in Durham and $78,631 in Raleigh.
Which city is safer — Durham or Raleigh?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Raleigh is safer. Durham has had 12 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Raleigh. Durham scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Raleigh.
Should I move from Durham to Raleigh?
Based on our data, Durham scores 71.8/100 vs Raleigh's 70.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Raleigh is more affordable, while Durham has a better climate.
Planning to move from Durham to Raleigh?
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.