Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Durham is 14% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $64,195 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 · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Durham scores 100 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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