Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Durham to Phoenix
Comparing Durham, North Carolina, and Phoenix, Arizona, using 2024 ACS data reveals notable similarities in median household income alongside distinct cost and transit differences. Durham reports a 2024 ACS 5-year median household income of $81,619, a median gross rent of $1,508 per month, and a median home value of $392,800, with a derived one-way commute of 24 minutes. Phoenix records a comparable 2024 ACS median household income of $81,332, a higher median gross rent of $1,582 per month, and an owner-occupied home value of $420,700, paired with a slightly longer 28-minute commute. Additionally, Phoenix includes a simplified state individual income-tax reference of 2.50%, while Durham's state individual income tax is excluded due to lack of an approved official reference. Neither profile establishes neighborhood safety, schools, weather, insurance, or job quality.
Moving from Durham to Phoenix
Moving to Phoenix costs ~$888 more/yr in rent.
~$2,500 more state tax on a $100k salary in Arizona.
Difference of ~33 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Compare the life behind the offer.
Adjust the assumptions. Every result updates instantly.
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.
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Durham is about $888 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.
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Durham | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 291,467 | 1,642,323 |
| Median household income | $81,619 | $81,332 |
| Median gross rent | $1,508 | $1,582 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $392,800 | $420,700 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 2.5% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 24 minutes in Durham and 28 minutes in Phoenix. 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
- Durham offers a slightly lower median gross rent of $1,508 compared to Phoenix's $1,582.
- Phoenix has a higher median owner-occupied home value of $420,700 versus Durham's $392,800.
- Durham features a shorter derived one-way commute estimate of 24 minutes compared to Phoenix's 28 minutes.
- Phoenix incorporates a 2.50% state individual income-tax reference, while Durham's state tax is excluded.
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..
Phoenix
A balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference. Watch the $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above dallas despite similar commute time.
Frequently asked questions
How do the median household incomes compare between Durham and Phoenix?
According to 2024 ACS data, Durham has a median household income of $81,619, while Phoenix records a nearly identical median household income of $81,332.
What are the housing cost differences in Durham versus Phoenix?
Based on 2024 ACS estimates, Durham's median gross rent is $1,508 per month with a median home value of $392,800, whereas Phoenix has a median gross rent of $1,582 per month and a median home value of $420,700.
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.