Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Omaha is 11% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $66,832 in Omaha.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Nebraska salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Omaha sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $230,000 in Omaha, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,100 in Omaha.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Omaha scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Omaha (96).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $59,612 in Omaha. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Omaha.
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