Cost of Living: Bridgeport vs Durham (2026)
Durham has a 10% lower overall cost of living than Bridgeport as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,750/mo in Durham vs $1,850/mo in Bridgeport — a 6% difference. Durham has a lower state income tax rate (4.5% vs 7%), which adds up over time.
- Durham is 10% cheaper overall (COL index: 112 vs 102)
- 1BR rent: $1,750/mo in Durham vs $1,850/mo — 5% savings
- Higher median household income: Durham ($72,000/yr vs $55,000/yr)
- Median home price: $360,000 in Bridgeport vs $390,000 — 8% difference
| Category | Bridgeport Connecticut | Durham North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,450 | $1,400Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,850 | $1,750Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,500 | $2,300Best |
| Median home price | $360KBest | $390K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 108 | 98Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $17 | $14Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $68 | $58Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $85 | $82Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.45 | $3.10Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $180 | $148Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $200 | $155Best |
| Internet/mo | $70 | $62Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $55K | $72KBest |
| State income tax% | 7.0% | 4.5%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.4%Best | 7.5% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $16.00 | $15.00Best |
| Gym membership/mo | $50 | $42Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.00 | $6.50Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 112 | 102Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 71Best | 36 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bridgeport cheaper than Durham?
No. Durham is 10% cheaper than Bridgeport based on overall cost of living indices (102 vs 112, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Bridgeport vs Durham?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Bridgeport is $1,850/month and in Durham is $1,750/month. Bridgeport is more expensive by 6%.
How much do I need to earn in Durham to match a $75,000 salary in Bridgeport?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $68,304/year in Durham to match a $75,000 salary in Bridgeport. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Bridgeport or Durham?
Durham has the lower state income tax rate at 4.5% vs 7%. The difference is 2.5 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Bridgeport to Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Durham offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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