Durham vs League City
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Durham
League City
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 4.7%, with Durham being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Durham has equivalent purchasing power to $78,713 in League City.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Durham has the same purchasing power as $78,713 in League City.
Conversely, $75,000 in League City equals $71,462 in Durham.
Living in Durham vs League City
Housing Costs
Durham's housing index of 104 is lower League City's 114, translating to median home prices of $340,000 vs $385,000. The $45,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,928 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Durham compared to $1,700/mo in League City, a monthly difference of $300.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 100 in Durham and 92 in League City. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $475/month in Durham vs $437/month in League City. League City offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $456/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 93 in Durham and 100 in League City. Monthly utility bills average approximately $372 in Durham vs $400 in League City. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 108 in Durham and 94 in League City. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 14-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $57,738 in Durham and $121,100 in League City. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $57,166 and $114,245 respectively. League City residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,347/month to housing in Durham vs $2,826/month in League City. In Durham, median rent of $1,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In League City, median rent of $1,700/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 14 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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