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Boston vs Durham: which is cheaper?

Durham is 10% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

I need $54,073 in Durham to live the same way.

🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$1,797
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,604
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$88,026
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$392,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
97.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$3,263
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$117
👥 People living there
666,442
291,467
Commute to work
30.3 min
22.3 min
College degree
54.9%
57.3%
Own their home
35.7%
52.3%
Below poverty line
16.6%
11.7%
Unemployment
6.1%
3.8%

Bottom line

Pay for the same job

JobBostonDurhamDifference
Firefighter$73,990$38,350-48% in Durham
Elementary School Teacher$98,060$51,400-48% in Durham
Plumber$96,760$60,110-38% in Durham
Carpenter$75,210$51,540-31% in Durham
Lawyer$183,350$132,790-28% in Durham
Electrician$79,910$59,220-26% in Durham
HVAC Technician$78,530$59,180-25% in Durham
Police Officer$78,180$60,100-23% in Durham

Frequently asked questions

Is Boston or Durham cheaper to live in?

Durham is about 10% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,797 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.

What salary do I need in Durham to match $60,000 in Boston?

About $54,073 a year gives the same standard of living in Durham.

Where do people earn more, Boston or Durham?

The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $88,026 in Durham, 19% more in Boston.

More comparisons

All Boston comparisons → · All Durham comparisons →

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