Moving from Los Angeles to Durham (2026)
Durham has a COL index of 102 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 41% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Durham to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 41% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Durham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $23,584 |
| $50K | $29,480 |
| $60K | $35,376 |
| $75K | $44,220 |
| $80K | $47,168 |
| $100K | $58,960 |
| $120K | $70,751 |
| $150K | $88,439 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs Durham
| Expense | Los Angeles | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $410 | $372 |
| Transport | $100 | $82 |
| Utilities | $145 | $155 |
| Internet | $70 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $2,038 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 102 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 41% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to Durham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to Durham could save roughly $1,104/month on core expenses. That's ~$13,248/year.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $44,220/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