San Antonio, TX vs Durham, NC
Cost of Living Comparison — 2026
Renters in Durham, NC spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 26% higher in Durham, NC. Home prices in Durham, NC run 62% higher. Durham, NC has the lower unemployment rate.
Detailed Comparison
Housing Costs and Affordability
A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In San Antonio, TX, renters allocate roughly 24.0% of median household income to rent (within that threshold). In Durham, NC, the figure is 21.4% , making Durham, NC the easier city for renters on a budget.
For prospective homebuyers, the price-to-income ratio tells you how many years of gross income it takes to match the median home price. In San Antonio, TX, that ratio is 3.5x. Homes cost 3.5 times the median annual income. In Durham, NC, it's 4.5x. Homes are relatively more attainable in San Antonio, TX.
Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,235 in San Antonio and $1,434 in Durham. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.
Income and Labor Market
Median household income in San Antonio, TX is $62,917; in Durham, NC it is $79,234. That's a $16,317 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.
Unemployment stands at 5.7% in San Antonio and 4.1% in Durham. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 52.0% in San Antonio versus 56.7% in Durham.
Population
San Antonio, TX has a population of 1,458,954, making it the larger of the two cities. Durham, NC has 288,465 residents. City size affects everything from transit options and job market depth to cost pressures. Larger metros typically see higher housing demand.
Data Sources
All data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Income, housing, and employment figures represent the most recent available estimates. Data is refreshed as new Census releases become available.