47
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Durham wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Durham wins 0–4 overall (71/100)
💰 Durham is more affordable
💼 Durham has lower unemployment
🛡️ Durham has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Durham — The Verdict
Durham scores 71.8/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Durham has a clear edge with home prices 62% lower. Durham has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.9%. For safety-conscious movers, Durham has a notably lower disaster history with 42 fewer declarations in 20 years. Durham may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Durham are 62% lower — a difference of $506,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Durham saves you $495/month — that's $5,940 per year.
📊
Durham has a 1.6 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Durham has experienced 42 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$316,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,296
Median Income
$76,244
$74,710
The affordability gap is significant — Durham offers home prices 62% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $506,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
3.9%
Durham has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 1.6 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
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)
54
12
Durham has a markedly lower disaster history — 42 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Durham: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Durham cheaper to live in?
Durham is more affordable overall. Home prices are $506,000 lower in Durham. Monthly rent is $1,296 in Durham vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Durham have better weather?
Durham scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Durham better for finding a job?
Durham currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 3.9% in Durham. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $74,710 in Durham.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Durham?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Durham is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Durham. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Durham.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Durham?
Based on our data, Durham scores 71.8/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Durham is more affordable, while Durham has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Durham?
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📊 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.