Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Syracuse is 9% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $68,317 in Syracuse.
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 Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Syracuse (100).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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