Durham vs Tucson

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Arizona salaries

Living in Durham vs Tucson

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,100 in Tucson.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Tucson (93).

Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.

Relocating: Durham vs Tucson

If you are considering a move between Durham (index: 101) and Tucson (index: 93), the 8% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Tucson is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Durham can afford $1,347/month, while the median household in Tucson can afford $1,013/month. With median homes at $340,000 in Durham versus $265,000 in Tucson, both cities offer reasonable homeownership opportunities at median income.

Renting vs buying: At $1,400/month in Durham and $1,100/month in Tucson, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in Tucson where costs are 7% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Durham (101) vs Tucson (93)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Durham at 101 is 1% above the US average, while Tucson at 93 is 7% below average. Both cities are close to the national average in overall costs.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $1,400/month in Durham and $1,100/month in Tucson, the annual rent difference is approximately $3,600. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $18,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $75,000 difference in median home prices between Durham and Tucson translates to roughly $4,500 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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