Moving from Durham to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 1% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,392 |
| $50K | $50,490 |
| $60K | $60,588 |
| $75K | $75,735 |
| $80K | $80,784 |
| $100K | $100,980 |
| $120K | $121,176 |
| $150K | $151,471 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Tempe
| Expense | Durham | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $372 | $380 |
| Transport | $82 | $55 |
| Utilities | $155 | $210 |
| Internet | $62 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,277 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $114 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Durham — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Durham?
No. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 1% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Tempe saves roughly $275/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,300/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $75,735/year in Tempe. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only