Example household · Durham, NC · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

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Durham vs New York

Durham and New York

Photo: Fred Hsu / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in New York are under the US rate in this release, 3.5 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Durham to New York

In 2022-2023, 599 households filed a move from Durham to New York (about 758 people, average adjusted gross income $73,032). 634 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,274 in Durham and $3,018 in New York. Durham has a state tax on wages. New York has a state tax on wages. Local pay in New York is 119% of the national level for the same work, against 98% in Durham.

New York averages 224 sunny days, with July highs around 85°F and January nights around 27°F. Durham is 222 sunny days, 89°F in July, 37°F in January. Commutes average 38 minutes in New York and 24 in Durham.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 599 households moved Durham → New York (about 758 people, average AGI $73,032). 634 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Durham and New York changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 522 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$2,300–$4,350
Container or pod
$1,600–$3,000
Rent a truck
$750–$1,400

Movers in New York and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is New York cheaper than Durham after tax and rent?

No. New York leaves about $2,405 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,274 in Durham and $3,018 in New York.

Does New York have state income tax?

New York is in New York, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 3.88%.

Did people actually move from Durham to New York?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.