Cost of Living in Durham, CA
Population 6,111 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Durham sits 101% above the national median — $612,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $120,778 (62% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Durham sits roughly 9 miles south of Chico — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 34% higher than Chico's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Durham
The median home value in Durham is $612,100 — 101% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,092/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $120,778/year is 62% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Durham has a cost of living index of 154 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% more expensive.
Durham has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Durham, CA?
Durham has a cost index of 154 (100 = national average). It is 54% above the national average.
What is average rent in Durham, CA?
The median gross rent in Durham is $1,092 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Durham?
The median home value in Durham is $612,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Durham?
The median household income in Durham is $120,778 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Durham, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Durham is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Durham, CA affordable?
Durham is above average in cost of living, with an index of 154 — about 54% higher than the national average.
Durham at a Glance
- Population
- 6,111
- Median Income
- $120,778
- Home Value
- $612,100
- Median Rent
- $1,092/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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