Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Durham is 9% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $68,243 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Gilbert (95).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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