Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Durham is 12% more affordable than Eugene. A $75,000 salary in Eugene is equivalent to $65,870 in Durham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Eugene sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $380,000 in Eugene, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,400 in Eugene.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Eugene scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Eugene (106).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $49,448 in Eugene. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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