Moving from Atlanta to Durham (2026)
Durham has a COL index of 102 vs 110 for Atlanta (100 = US average). You'd pay about 7% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$175/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
110102
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,750
per month
State tax
5.5%4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,397$4,459
per month
Salary needed in Durham to match your Atlanta lifestyle
Based on the 7% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Atlanta | Equivalent in Durham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,091 |
| $50K | $46,364 |
| $60K | $55,636 |
| $75K | $69,545 |
| $80K | $74,182 |
| $100K | $92,727 |
| $120K | $111,273 |
| $150K | $139,091 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Atlanta vs Durham
| Expense | Atlanta | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,397 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $376 | $372 |
| Transport | $95 | $82 |
| Utilities | $165 | $155 |
| Internet | $60 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,801 | $2,038 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham cheaper than Atlanta?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 102 vs 110 for Atlanta (100 = US average). That's about 7% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Atlanta to Durham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Atlanta to Durham could save roughly $175/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,100/year.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Atlanta lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Atlanta, you'd need roughly $69,545/year in Durham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Durham to AtlantaAtlanta vs Durham — full comparisonAtlanta cost of livingDurham cost of living
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