Moving from Anchorage to Durham (2026)
Durham has a COL index of 102 vs 100 for Anchorage (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 2% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Durham to match your Anchorage lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Anchorage | Equivalent in Durham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,800 |
| $50K | $51,000 |
| $60K | $61,200 |
| $75K | $76,500 |
| $80K | $81,600 |
| $100K | $102,000 |
| $120K | $122,400 |
| $150K | $153,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Anchorage vs Durham
| Expense | Anchorage | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $391 | $372 |
| Transport | $45 | $82 |
| Utilities | $165 | $155 |
| Internet | $90 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,250 | $2,038 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham cheaper than Anchorage?
No. Durham has a cost of living index of 102 vs 100 for Anchorage (100 = US average). That's about 2% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Anchorage to Durham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Anchorage to Durham could save roughly $70/month on core expenses. That's ~$840/year.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Anchorage lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Anchorage, you'd need roughly $76,500/year in Durham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only