Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Greenville is 6% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $70,545 in Greenville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Greenville sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $250,000 in Greenville, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,200 in Greenville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Greenville scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Greenville (103).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $48,912 in Greenville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Greenville.
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