salaryDurham is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Durham to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,797
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,604
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$88,026
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$392,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
97.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$3,263
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$117
👥 People living there
2,711,226
291,467
Commute to work
33.1 min
22.3 min
College degree
44.3%
57.3%
Own their home
46%
52.3%
Below poverty line
16.8%
11.7%
Unemployment
8%
3.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for cheaper homes.
- Pick Durham for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 4 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Durham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $38,350 | -54% in Durham |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $60,100 | -44% in Durham |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $59,220 | -42% in Durham |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $60,110 | -42% in Durham |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $51,540 | -36% in Durham |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $51,400 | -34% in Durham |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $59,180 | -24% in Durham |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $132,790 | -20% in Durham |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Durham cheaper to live in?
Durham is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,797 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Durham to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $56,512 a year gives the same standard of living in Durham.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Durham?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $88,026 in Durham, 5% more in Durham.