Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Rochester is 7% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $69,802 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Rochester (100).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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