Durham is 15% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Diego to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,797
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,604
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$88,026
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$392,800
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.6
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,263
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$117
$131
👥 People living there
291,467
1,389,526
Commute to work
22.3 min
23.5 min
College degree
57.3%
51%
Own their home
52.3%
47.3%
Below poverty line
11.7%
11%
Unemployment
3.8%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Durham for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Durham | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $51,400 | $97,000 | +89% in San Diego |
| Firefighter | $38,350 | $70,900 | +85% in San Diego |
| Police Officer | $60,100 | $110,400 | +84% in San Diego |
| Carpenter | $51,540 | $73,200 | +42% in San Diego |
| Lawyer | $132,790 | $178,220 | +34% in San Diego |
| Electrician | $59,220 | $76,160 | +29% in San Diego |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,170 | $46,440 | +28% in San Diego |
| HVAC Technician | $59,180 | $74,880 | +27% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Durham is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,797 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Durham?
About $68,803 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Durham or San Diego?
The typical household earns $88,026 in Durham and $116,561 in San Diego, 24% more in San Diego.