Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Durham is 6% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $70,794 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Salt Lake City (97).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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