Durham is 18% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Francisco to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,797
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,604
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$88,026
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$392,800
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.6
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,263
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$117
$104
👥 People living there
291,467
830,235
Commute to work
22.3 min
30.4 min
College degree
57.3%
60.3%
Own their home
52.3%
38.2%
Below poverty line
11.7%
11.2%
Unemployment
3.8%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Durham for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Durham | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $38,350 | $113,700 | +196% in San Francisco |
| Police Officer | $60,100 | $132,000 | +120% in San Francisco |
| Elementary School Teacher | $51,400 | $101,860 | +98% in San Francisco |
| Carpenter | $51,540 | $89,200 | +73% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,300 | $219,080 | +66% in San Francisco |
| Lawyer | $132,790 | $212,500 | +60% in San Francisco |
| Electrician | $59,220 | $92,830 | +57% in San Francisco |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,460 | $146,760 | +45% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Durham is about 18% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,797 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Durham?
About $71,094 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Durham or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $88,026 in Durham and $152,036 in San Francisco, 42% more in San Francisco.