Moving from Tampa to Durham (2026)
Durham has a COL index of 102 vs 104 for Tampa (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$280/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
104102
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,000$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 Tampa lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tampa | Equivalent in Durham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,231 |
| $50K | $49,038 |
| $60K | $58,846 |
| $75K | $73,558 |
| $80K | $78,462 |
| $100K | $98,077 |
| $120K | $117,692 |
| $150K | $147,115 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tampa vs Durham
| Expense | Tampa | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $376 | $372 |
| Transport | $65 | $82 |
| Utilities | $195 | $155 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,040 | $2,038 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham cheaper than Tampa?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 102 vs 104 for Tampa (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tampa to Durham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tampa to Durham could save roughly $280/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,360/year.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Tampa lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tampa, you'd need roughly $73,558/year in Durham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Durham to TampaTampa vs Durham — full comparisonTampa 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