Raleigh vs Durham for Nurses (2026)
Scroll down for travel nurse analysis, rent burden, and FAQ.
Nurse salary cost breakdown
| Metric | Raleigh North Carolina | Durham North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | 4.5%Better | 4.5% |
| Est. monthly take-home ($82.75K RN) | $6,586Better | $6,586 |
| 1BR rent / month | $1,700Better | $1,750 |
| 1BR rent burden | 26%Better | 27% |
| Internet / month | $60Better | $62 |
| Monthly utilities | $150Better | $155 |
| Walk score | 26 / 100 | 36 / 100Better |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 101Better | 102 |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Savings potential
Raleigh: ~$4,078/mo after rent & living
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for nurses — Raleigh or Durham?
For nurses, Raleigh is the stronger choice based on take-home pay after taxes, rent burden, and cost of living. The key differentiator is rent: Raleigh has lower 1BR rents. For travel nurses specifically, no-income-tax states are especially valuable since housing stipends are already tax-exempt — earning more in a no-tax state can be worth $3,000–$6,000/year more in take-home pay.
How much take-home pay does a nurse earn in Raleigh vs Durham?
Based on the national average RN salary of $82,750/year, a nurse in Raleigh (4.5% state income tax) takes home approximately $6,586/month. In Durham (4.5% state income tax), take-home is $6,586/month — a difference of $0/month or ~$0/year. Note: this calculation uses state income tax only; federal taxes are not included.
What percentage of a nurse's income goes to rent in Raleigh vs Durham?
Financial advisors recommend keeping housing under 30% of gross income. In Raleigh, rent consumes 26% of a nurse's monthly take-home — manageable with careful budgeting. In Durham, rent burden is 27% — manageable.
Is Raleigh or Durham better for travel nurses?
Travel nurses on assignment typically receive a base wage PLUS a tax-free housing stipend (usually $1,500–$3,000/month) that covers housing costs. For travel nurses, the state income tax on the base wage is the primary cost difference. Durham (4.5% rate) is more advantageous. The housing stipend covers most rent — so the $0/month tax difference goes directly into savings, compounding over a 13-week assignment to $0 extra in take-home.
How does the cost of living affect a nurse's purchasing power in Raleigh vs Durham?
A $82,750 nurse salary in Raleigh (COL 101) has the equivalent purchasing power of $83,569 in Durham (COL 102). The lower-cost city effectively gives nurses a ~1% raise with no salary negotiation required — more savings, faster debt payoff, and greater financial flexibility.
Nurse salary based on national median RN wage ($82,750/year, BLS 2024). Take-home calculated using state income tax rate only; federal taxes not included. Travel nurse stipend rules vary by assignment and employer. Data: BLS, Zillow, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026