Moving from Durham to Mesa (2026)
Mesa has a COL index of 96 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$327/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10296
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,400
per month
State tax
4.5%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Mesa to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Mesa |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,647 |
| $50K | $47,059 |
| $60K | $56,471 |
| $75K | $70,588 |
| $80K | $75,294 |
| $100K | $94,118 |
| $120K | $112,941 |
| $150K | $141,176 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Mesa
| Expense | Durham | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $372 | $369 |
| Transport | $82 | $55 |
| Utilities | $155 | $210 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,490 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Mesa has a cost of living index of 96 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Mesa?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Mesa could save roughly $327/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,924/year.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $70,588/year in Mesa. 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