Moving from Durham to Flagstaff (2026)
Flagstaff has a COL index of 102 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 0% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Flagstaff to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 0% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Flagstaff |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,000 |
| $50K | $50,000 |
| $60K | $60,000 |
| $75K | $75,000 |
| $80K | $80,000 |
| $100K | $100,000 |
| $120K | $120,000 |
| $150K | $150,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Flagstaff
| Expense | Durham | Flagstaff |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,650 |
| Groceries | $372 | $384 |
| Transport | $82 | $45 |
| Utilities | $155 | $195 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,245 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Flagstaff cheaper than Durham?
No. Flagstaff has a cost of living index of 102 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 0% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Flagstaff?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Flagstaff could save roughly $82/month on core expenses. That's ~$984/year.
What salary do I need in Flagstaff to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $75,000/year in Flagstaff. 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