Cost of Living in Durham, NC (2026)
Planning to live in Durham, NC? Our personalized calculator shows YOUR actual cost of living - not generic averages. Durham, NC has a moderate cost of living with a COL index of 96 (4% lower than the national average). Average 1BR rent: ~$1,344/mo. Total monthly expenses: ~$3,360 for a balanced lifestyle. Recommended salary: $76,800/year.
Durham costs 4% less than the US national average
Rent consumes 52% of your total expenses — very housing-heavy budget.
💡 Consider a roommate, smaller apartment, or more affordable neighborhood.
70% of spending is on fixed costs — somewhat inflexible.
💡 Consider lowering car payments or housing costs if possible.
42% potential savings rate — great for building wealth!
Risk assessment based on financial planning best practices. Consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.
💬 Use These in Negotiations
“Based on the cost of living in Durham, I would need a minimum of $76,800 to maintain my current standard of living.”
“Moving to Durham requires a salary adjustment of -4% compared to the national average to maintain equivalent purchasing power.”
📊 Salary Tiers for Durham
🔄 If You're Relocating
📋 For HR/Recruiters: These figures are based on actual cost-of-living data for Durham. Use the Recommended Salary ($76,800) as a benchmark for competitive compensation packages.
Methodology: Durham's COL Index (96) is calculated using a weighted average approach similar to C2ER COLI, where 100 = national average. Data updated quarterly. See Sources for more.