Durham vs Raleigh: Cost of Living Compared (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
| Metric | Durham | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,330 | $1,408 | -6% |
| Median household income | $81,619 | $85,395 | -5% |
| Grocery cost index | 96.6 | 96.6 | — |
| Utilities (monthly) | $133 | $133 | — |
Salary equivalent between cities
Equivalent salary needed
$84,812
- Difference
- $4,812