Moving from Portland to Durham (2026)
Durham has a COL index of 102 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 18% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$181/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
125102
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,750
per month
State tax
9.9%4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,122$4,459
per month
Salary needed in Durham to match your Portland lifestyle
Based on the 18% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Portland | Equivalent in Durham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,640 |
| $50K | $40,800 |
| $60K | $48,960 |
| $75K | $61,200 |
| $80K | $65,280 |
| $100K | $81,600 |
| $120K | $97,920 |
| $150K | $122,400 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Portland vs Durham
| Expense | Portland | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $407 | $372 |
| Transport | $100 | $82 |
| Utilities | $130 | $155 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,520 | $2,038 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham cheaper than Portland?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 102 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 18% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Portland to Durham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to Durham could save roughly $181/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,172/year.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Portland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $61,200/year in Durham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Durham to PortlandPortland vs Durham — full comparisonPortland cost of livingDurham 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