55
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
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Durham — The Verdict
Durham scores 71.8/100 compared to New York's 55.2/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Durham has a clear edge with home prices 57% lower. Durham may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Durham are 57% lower — a difference of $415,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Durham saves you $418/month — that's $5,016 per year.
📊
Durham has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
New York has experienced 3 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$732,100
$316,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$1,296
Median Income
$76,607
$74,710
The affordability gap is significant — Durham offers home prices 57% lower than New York, translating to $415,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.9%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Durham having a slight edge at 3.9% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
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)
9
12
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from New York to Durham: Common Questions
Is New York or Durham cheaper to live in?
Durham is more affordable overall. Home prices are $415,500 lower in Durham. Monthly rent is $1,296 in Durham vs $1,714 in New York.
Does New York or Durham have better weather?
Durham scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Durham better for finding a job?
Durham currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 3.9% in Durham. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $74,710 in Durham.
Which city is safer — New York or Durham?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Durham. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Durham.
Should I move from New York to Durham?
Based on our data, Durham scores 71.8/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Durham is more affordable, while Durham has a better climate.
Planning to move from New York 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.