Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Durham is 10% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $67,634 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Modesto (100).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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