Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Durham is 22% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $58,269 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 · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Durham scores 100 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) match Portland (108).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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