Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Fort Worth is 6% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $70,545 in Fort Worth.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Fort Worth sits at 87 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $270,000 in Fort Worth, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,400 in Fort Worth.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Fort Worth scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Fort Worth (100).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $62,187 in Fort Worth. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Worth.
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