Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Durham is 6% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $70,794 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Fresno (100).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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