Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Durham is 21% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $59,180 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Riverside (102).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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