Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Durham and Nashville have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Nashville sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $380,000 in Nashville, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,600 in Nashville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Nashville scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Nashville (98).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $59,828 in Nashville. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
Amazon affiliate links