Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Durham is 19% more affordable than Worcester. A $75,000 salary in Worcester is equivalent to $60,600 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 Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Durham scores 100 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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