Moving from Durham to Fresno (2026)
Fresno has a COL index of 99 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 3% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$312/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10299
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,450
per month
State tax
4.5%9.3%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,159
per month
Salary needed in Fresno to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Fresno |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,824 |
| $50K | $48,529 |
| $60K | $58,235 |
| $75K | $72,794 |
| $80K | $77,647 |
| $100K | $97,059 |
| $120K | $116,471 |
| $150K | $145,588 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Fresno
| Expense | Durham | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,450 |
| Groceries | $372 | $380 |
| Transport | $82 | $72 |
| Utilities | $155 | $142 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,050 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fresno cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Fresno has a cost of living index of 99 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 3% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Fresno?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Fresno could save roughly $312/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,744/year.
What salary do I need in Fresno to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $72,794/year in Fresno. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Fresno to DurhamDurham vs Fresno — full comparisonDurham cost of livingFresno 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