Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Durham is 6% more affordable than Springfield. A $75,000 salary in Springfield 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 · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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