Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Durham is 21% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Sacramento (106).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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