Atlanta vs Durham

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · North Carolina salaries

Living in Atlanta vs Durham

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Durham sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $340,000 in Durham, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,400 in Durham.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Durham scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are lower than Durham (108).

Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $57,738 in Durham. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.

Relocating: Atlanta vs Durham

If you are considering a move between Atlanta (index: 107) and Durham (index: 101), the 6% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Durham is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Atlanta can afford $1,399/month, while the median household in Durham can afford $1,347/month. With median homes at $350,000 in Atlanta versus $340,000 in Durham, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,700/month in Atlanta and $1,400/month in Durham, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Durham. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Atlanta (107) vs Durham (101)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Atlanta at 107 is 7% above the US average, while Durham at 101 is 1% above average. Both cities are close to the national average in overall costs.

A 6-point index spread separates Atlanta from Durham, a moderate gap that adds up across monthly bills but is manageable with a typical dual-income household budget. Transportation shows the widest single-category margin at 113 versus 100, making it the area where residents will feel the most day-to-day price difference between Atlanta and Durham. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Durham with indices of 104 versus 113. Median home prices of $350,000 in Atlanta and $340,000 in Durham underscore this gap. Neither city is cheaper across the board: Atlanta has an edge in healthcare, while Durham is more affordable for housing and groceries. Your actual savings depend on which categories consume the biggest share of your personal budget.

For renters: With median rents of $1,700/month in Atlanta and $1,400/month in Durham, the annual rent difference is approximately $3,600. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $18,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $10,000 difference in median home prices between Atlanta and Durham translates to roughly $600 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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