Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Durham is 10% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville 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 · Illinois salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Naperville sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $430,000 in Naperville, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,800 in Naperville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Naperville scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Naperville (101).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $118,254 in Naperville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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