Moving from Durham to Albany (2026)
Albany has a COL index of 92 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 10% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$323/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10292
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,400
per month
State tax
4.5%6.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,309
per month
Salary needed in Albany to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Albany |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,078 |
| $50K | $45,098 |
| $60K | $54,118 |
| $75K | $67,647 |
| $80K | $72,157 |
| $100K | $90,196 |
| $120K | $108,235 |
| $150K | $135,294 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Albany
| Expense | Durham | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $372 | $380 |
| Transport | $82 | $68 |
| Utilities | $155 | $185 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,211 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Albany cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Albany has a cost of living index of 92 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 10% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Albany?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Albany could save roughly $323/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,876/year.
What salary do I need in Albany to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $67,647/year in Albany. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Albany to DurhamDurham vs Albany — full comparisonDurham cost of livingAlbany 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