Can I Afford to Live in Durham vs Orlando on $60K?

Here's how a $60K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Durham, NC
$3,568/mo take-home
Rent: $1,750/mo (49% of take-home)
Difficult
Orlando, FL
$3,793/mo take-home
Rent: $1,900/mo (50% of take-home)
Difficult
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Monthly budget breakdown

Durham
NC
Orlando
FL
Monthly take-home (est.)
$3,568
$3,793Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,750Best ✓
$1,900
Groceries (est.)
$372Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$82
$65Best ✓
Utilities
$155Best ✓
$195
Internet
$62Best ✓
$65
Left after essentials
$1,147/month
$1,188/month
Orlando (Florida) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Durham (NC rate: 4.5%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $60K a good salary in Durham?

At $60K/year in Durham, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,568. With 1BR rent around $1,750/month, rent takes up 49% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $60K a good salary in Orlando?

At $60K/year in Orlando, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,793. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 50% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $60K salary?

Orlando leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,188/month vs $1,147/month in Durham.

Can I afford to live alone in Durham on $60K?

It's tight. Rent in Durham would take 49% of your $60K 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 Orlando

$40K$50K$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