Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Durham to Houston
Based on the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates, comparing Durham, North Carolina, and Houston, Texas, reveals distinct economic and commuting trade-offs. Durham reports a higher median household income of $81,619 alongside a median gross rent of $1,508 and a median home value of $392,800, paired with a derived one-way commute of 24 minutes. Conversely, Houston offers a larger population base with a lower median household income of $64,813, a median gross rent of $1,361, and a median home value of $277,800, alongside a 30-minute derived one-way commute. Furthermore, the calculator notes a simplified state individual income-tax reference of 0.00% for Texas, while Durham's state income tax is excluded due to lack of an approved official reference. Citywide data does not establish neighborhood safety, schools, weather, insurance, or job quality.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Houston → DurhamMoving from Durham to Houston
Median Rent Impact
-$147/mo
Moving to Houston saves ~$1,764/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
0.0% difference
Neither state imposes an individual state income tax.
Daily Commute Difference
+6 min / day
Difference of ~50 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
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Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTDUR → HOU
61/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$14,148after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainMedian owner-occupied home value of $277,800.
Watch closelyA citywide median income of $64,813 paired with a 30-minute derived commute.
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Houston is about $1,764 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Durham household income$81,619
Houston household income$64,813
Durham gross rent$1,508
Houston gross rent$1,361
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Durham | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 291,467 | 2,328,253 |
| Median household income | $81,619 | $64,813 |
| Median gross rent | $1,508 | $1,361 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $392,800 | $277,800 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 0% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 24 minutes in Durham and 30 minutes in Houston. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Median household income differences
- Median gross rent comparisons
- Owner-occupied home value variations
- Derived one-way commute times
What each city wins
Durham
A median household income of $81,619 alongside a median home value of $392,800.. Watch a 24-minute derived commute estimate against citywide housing costs..
Houston
Median owner-occupied home value of $277,800.. Watch a citywide median income of $64,813 paired with a 30-minute derived commute..
Frequently asked questions
How do the populations of Durham and Houston compare according to the 2024 ACS?
According to the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates, Durham has an estimated population of 291,467, while Houston has a much larger estimated population of 2,328,253.
What are the housing cost differences between Durham and Houston?
The 2024 ACS data shows Durham has a median gross rent of $1,508 and a median home value of $392,800, whereas Houston features a median gross rent of $1,361 and a median home value of $277,800.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.