Can I Afford to Live in Durham vs Houston on $40K?

Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Durham, NC
$2,578/mo take-home
Rent: $1,750/mo (68% of take-home)
Difficult
Houston, TX
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $1,350/mo (49% of take-home)
Difficult
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Monthly budget breakdown

Durham
NC
Houston
TX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,578
$2,728Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,750
$1,350Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$372
$357Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$82Best ✓
$90
Utilities
$155Best ✓
$175
Internet
$62Best ✓
$65
Left after essentials
$157/month
$691/month
Houston (Texas) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Durham (NC rate: 4.5%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $40K a good salary in Durham?

At $40K/year in Durham, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,578. With 1BR rent around $1,750/month, rent takes up 68% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $40K a good salary in Houston?

At $40K/year in Houston, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $1,350/month, rent takes up 49% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?

Houston leaves you with more money after core expenses — $691/month vs $157/month in Durham.

Can I afford to live alone in Durham on $40K?

It's tight. Rent in Durham would take 68% of your $40K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Durham vs Houston

$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only