Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Durham is 43% more affordable than Cambridge. A $75,000 salary in Cambridge is equivalent to $42,556 in Durham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cambridge has a housing index of 280 while Durham sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Cambridge costs $890,000 compared to $340,000 in Durham, a difference of $550,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,100 in Cambridge versus $1,400 in Durham.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cambridge scores 110 while Durham scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Cambridge (118) are higher than Durham (108).
Median household income in Cambridge is $103,154 compared to $57,738 in Durham. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
Amazon affiliate links