Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Durham is 6% more affordable than Henderson. A $75,000 salary in Henderson is equivalent to $70,139 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Henderson sits at 118 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $420,000 in Henderson, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,500 in Henderson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Henderson scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Henderson (96).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $72,238 in Henderson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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