Duluth vs Roanoke
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Duluth
Roanoke
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 4.9%, with Roanoke being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Duluth has equivalent purchasing power to $71,471 in Roanoke.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Duluth has the same purchasing power as $71,471 in Roanoke.
Conversely, $75,000 in Roanoke equals $78,704 in Duluth.
Living in Duluth vs Roanoke
Housing Costs
Duluth's housing index of 88 is higher Roanoke's 57, translating to median home prices of $268,000 vs $225,000. The $43,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,796 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,025/mo in Duluth compared to $1,075/mo in Roanoke, a monthly difference of $50.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Duluth and 97 in Roanoke. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Duluth vs $461/month in Roanoke. 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 94 in Duluth and 116 in Roanoke. Monthly utility bills average approximately $376 in Duluth vs $464 in Roanoke. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 123 in Duluth and 91 in Roanoke. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 32-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $68,800 in Duluth and $52,700 in Roanoke. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $80,941 and $65,062 respectively. Duluth residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,605/month to housing in Duluth vs $1,230/month in Roanoke. In Duluth, median rent of $1,025/mo fits within this budget. In Roanoke, median rent of $1,075/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 32 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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