Moving from Fort Lauderdale to Durham (2026)
Durham has a COL index of 102 vs 120 for Fort Lauderdale (100 = US average). You'd pay about 15% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Durham to match your Fort Lauderdale lifestyle
Based on the 15% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Lauderdale | Equivalent in Durham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,000 |
| $50K | $42,500 |
| $60K | $51,000 |
| $75K | $63,750 |
| $80K | $68,000 |
| $100K | $85,000 |
| $120K | $102,000 |
| $150K | $127,500 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Lauderdale vs Durham
| Expense | Fort Lauderdale | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,600 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $407 | $372 |
| Transport | $112 | $82 |
| Utilities | $195 | $155 |
| Internet | $70 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,357 | $2,038 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham cheaper than Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 102 vs 120 for Fort Lauderdale (100 = US average). That's about 15% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fort Lauderdale to Durham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Lauderdale to Durham could save roughly $963/month on core expenses. That's ~$11,556/year.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Fort Lauderdale lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Lauderdale, you'd need roughly $63,750/year in Durham. 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