Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Durham is 5% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $71,462 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 · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Madison scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Madison (105).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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