Boston vs Durham

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · North Carolina salaries

Living in Boston vs Durham

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Durham sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $340,000 in Durham, a difference of $280,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,400 in Durham.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Durham scores 100.

Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Durham (108).

Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $57,738 in Durham. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.

Relocating: Boston vs Durham

If you are considering a move between Boston (index: 162) and Durham (index: 101), the 38% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Durham is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Boston can afford $1,780/month, while the median household in Durham can afford $1,347/month. With median homes at $620,000 in Boston versus $340,000 in Durham, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $2,800/month in Boston and $1,400/month in Durham, renters save significantly in Durham. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Durham. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Boston (162) vs Durham (101)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Boston at 162 is 62% above the US average, while Durham at 101 is 1% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $2,800/month in Boston and $1,400/month in Durham, the annual rent difference is approximately $16,800. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $84,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $280,000 difference in median home prices between Boston and Durham translates to roughly $16,800 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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