Denton vs Durham
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Denton
Durham
The Verdict
Living in Durham costs 6.9% less than Denton. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Denton, you would need $70,139 in Durham.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Denton has the same purchasing power as $70,139 in Durham.
Conversely, $75,000 in Durham equals $80,198 in Denton.
Living in Denton vs Durham
Housing Costs
Denton's housing index of 126 is higher Durham's 104, translating to median home prices of $385,000 vs $340,000. The $45,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,928 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,425/mo in Denton compared to $1,400/mo in Durham, a monthly difference of $25.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Denton and 100 in Durham. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Denton vs $475/month in Durham. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 90 in Denton and 93 in Durham. Monthly utility bills average approximately $360 in Denton vs $372 in Durham. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 81 in Denton and 108 in Durham. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 27-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $73,700 in Denton and $57,738 in Durham. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $68,241 and $57,166 respectively. Denton residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,720/month to housing in Denton vs $1,347/month in Durham. In Denton, median rent of $1,425/mo fits within this budget. In Durham, median rent of $1,400/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 27 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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