Moving from Tacoma to Durham (2026)
Durham has a COL index of 102 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). You'd pay about 11% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$149/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
114102
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$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 Tacoma lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tacoma | Equivalent in Durham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,789 |
| $50K | $44,737 |
| $60K | $53,684 |
| $75K | $67,105 |
| $80K | $71,579 |
| $100K | $89,474 |
| $120K | $107,368 |
| $150K | $134,211 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tacoma vs Durham
| Expense | Tacoma | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $399 | $372 |
| Transport | $90 | $82 |
| Utilities | $118 | $155 |
| Internet | $63 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,171 | $2,038 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham cheaper than Tacoma?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 102 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). That's about 11% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tacoma to Durham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tacoma to Durham could save roughly $149/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,788/year.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Tacoma lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tacoma, you'd need roughly $67,105/year in Durham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Durham to TacomaTacoma vs Durham — full comparisonTacoma 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