Can I Afford to Live in Durham vs Madison on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Durham NC | Madison WI |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,757 | $4,543 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,650 |
| Groceries (est.) | $372 | $384 |
| Transport (est.) | $82 | $62 |
| Utilities | $155 | $162 |
| Internet | $62 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,336/month | $2,222/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Durham?
At $80K/year in Durham, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,757. With 1BR rent around $1,750/month, rent takes up 37% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $80K a good salary in Madison?
At $80K/year in Madison, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,543. With 1BR rent around $1,650/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
Durham leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,336/month vs $2,222/month in Madison.
Can I afford to live alone in Durham on $80K?
It's tight. Rent in Durham would take 37% of your $80K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
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