Moving from Durham to Richmond (2026)
Richmond has a COL index of 98 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$167/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10298
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,600
per month
State tax
4.5%5.8%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,378
per month
Salary needed in Richmond to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Richmond |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,431 |
| $50K | $48,039 |
| $60K | $57,647 |
| $75K | $72,059 |
| $80K | $76,863 |
| $100K | $96,078 |
| $120K | $115,294 |
| $150K | $144,118 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Richmond
| Expense | Durham | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $372 | $369 |
| Transport | $82 | $70 |
| Utilities | $155 | $155 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,124 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Richmond cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Richmond has a cost of living index of 98 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Richmond?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Richmond could save roughly $167/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,004/year.
What salary do I need in Richmond to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $72,059/year in Richmond. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Richmond to DurhamDurham vs Richmond — full comparisonDurham cost of livingRichmond 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