Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Milwaukee is 9% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $68,317 in Milwaukee.
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 Milwaukee sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $175,000 in Milwaukee, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,100 in Milwaukee.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Milwaukee scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Milwaukee (102).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $44,044 in Milwaukee. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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