Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Durham is 7% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $69,495 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Plano (100).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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