Moving from Melbourne to Durham (2026)
Durham has a COL index of 102 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). You'd pay about 7% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$2,381/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
110 → 102
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600 → $1,750
per month
State tax
45% → 4.5%
income tax
COL difference
110 → 102
7% cheaper
Salary needed in Durham to match your Melbourne lifestyle
Based on the 7% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Melbourne | Equivalent in Durham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,091 |
| $50K | $46,364 |
| $60K | $55,636 |
| $75K | $69,545 |
| $80K | $74,182 |
| $100K | $92,727 |
| $120K | $111,273 |
| $150K | $139,091 |
Adjust your salary
Pay ~$99/mo moreon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Melbourne vs Durham
| Expense | Melbourne | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,000 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $380 | $372 |
| Transport | $150 | $82 |
| Utilities | $130 | $155 |
| Internet | $62 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $678 | $2,038 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham cheaper than Melbourne?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 102 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). That's about 7% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Melbourne to Durham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Melbourne to Durham saves roughly $2,381/month on core expenses. That's ~$28,572/year.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Melbourne lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Melbourne, you'd need roughly $69,545/year in Durham. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Durham to MelbourneMelbourne vs Durham — full comparisonMelbourne cost of livingDurham cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only