Moving from Seattle to Durham (2026)
Durham has a COL index of 102 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). You'd pay about 32% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$674/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
150102
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,400$1,750
per month
State tax
None4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,459
per month
Salary needed in Durham to match your Seattle lifestyle
Based on the 32% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Durham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,200 |
| $50K | $34,000 |
| $60K | $40,800 |
| $75K | $51,000 |
| $80K | $54,400 |
| $100K | $68,000 |
| $120K | $81,600 |
| $150K | $102,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Seattle vs Durham
| Expense | Seattle | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $410 | $372 |
| Transport | $100 | $82 |
| Utilities | $120 | $155 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,646 | $2,038 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham cheaper than Seattle?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 102 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). That's about 32% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Seattle to Durham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seattle to Durham could save roughly $674/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,088/year.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Seattle lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seattle, you'd need roughly $51,000/year in Durham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Durham to SeattleSeattle vs Durham — full comparisonSeattle 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