Moving from Worcester to Durham (2026)
Durham has a COL index of 102 vs 108 for Worcester (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$68/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
108102
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,750
per month
State tax
5%4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,428$4,459
per month
Salary needed in Durham to match your Worcester lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Worcester | Equivalent in Durham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,778 |
| $50K | $47,222 |
| $60K | $56,667 |
| $75K | $70,833 |
| $80K | $75,556 |
| $100K | $94,444 |
| $120K | $113,333 |
| $150K | $141,667 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Worcester vs Durham
| Expense | Worcester | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $403 | $372 |
| Transport | $78 | $82 |
| Utilities | $190 | $155 |
| Internet | $68 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,939 | $2,038 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham cheaper than Worcester?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 102 vs 108 for Worcester (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Worcester to Durham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Worcester to Durham could save roughly $68/month on core expenses. That's ~$816/year.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Worcester lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Worcester, you'd need roughly $70,833/year in Durham. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Durham to WorcesterWorcester vs Durham — full comparisonWorcester 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