Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Durham is 6% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $70,794 in Durham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Durham sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $340,000 in Durham, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,400 in Durham.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Durham scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are lower than Durham (108).
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $57,738 in Durham. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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