Durham vs Pembroke Pines
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Durham
Pembroke Pines
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 9.0%, with Durham being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Durham has equivalent purchasing power to $82,426 in Pembroke Pines.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Durham has the same purchasing power as $82,426 in Pembroke Pines.
Conversely, $75,000 in Pembroke Pines equals $68,243 in Durham.
Living in Durham vs Pembroke Pines
Housing Costs
Durham's housing index of 104 is lower Pembroke Pines's 140, translating to median home prices of $340,000 vs $440,000. The $100,000 difference in home prices means roughly $6,504 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Durham compared to $1,900/mo in Pembroke Pines, a monthly difference of $500.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 100 in Durham and 105 in Pembroke Pines. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $475/month in Durham vs $499/month in Pembroke Pines. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 93 in Durham and 105 in Pembroke Pines. Monthly utility bills average approximately $372 in Durham vs $420 in Pembroke Pines. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 108 in Durham and 91 in Pembroke Pines. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 17-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $57,738 in Durham and $85,900 in Pembroke Pines. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $57,166 and $77,387 respectively. Pembroke Pines residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,347/month to housing in Durham vs $2,004/month in Pembroke Pines. In Durham, median rent of $1,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Pembroke Pines, median rent of $1,900/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 36 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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