Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
St. Louis is 11% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $66,832 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than St. Louis (95).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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