Is Durham, NC cheaper than Atlanta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Durham, NC is 8.5% cheaper than Atlanta, GA. This translates to saving $637 per month.

What salary do I need in Durham, NC to live like I do in Atlanta, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Atlanta, GA, you'd need approximately $142,358.491 in Durham, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Atlanta, GA and Durham, NC?

Housing in Durham, NC is 5.9% cheaper than in Atlanta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,730/month in Durham, NC compared to $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Atlanta, GA to Durham, NC?

Moving from Atlanta, GA to Durham, NC could save you approximately $637 per month, or $7642 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Atlanta, GA vs Durham, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Atlanta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $637/month moving to Durham, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.4K in Durham, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$637

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$441K

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:

(8% below avg)

Median Home:$411K

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 325K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Atlanta, GA vs Durham, NC

Category	Atlanta, GA	Durham, NC	Difference	Change
Other	$1,925/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $218less	11.3%
Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $164less	11.3%
Housing	$2,625/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $156less	5.9%
All Utilities	$585/mo	$546/mo	↓ $38.25less	6.5%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$601/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.1%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Other

↓ 11.3%

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Durham, NC

$1,707

Difference

$218

less

Transportation

↓ 11.3%

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Durham, NC

$1,284

Difference

$164

less

Housing

↓ 5.9%

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Durham, NC

$2,469

Difference

$156

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.5%

Atlanta, GA

$585

Durham, NC

$546

Difference

$38.25

less

Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Atlanta, GA

$589

Durham, NC

$601

Difference

$12.39

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Atlanta, GA

$959

Durham, NC

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,865

To$1,430

↓ $435

1 Bed

From$1,950

To$1,520

↓ $430

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,730

↓ $410

3 Bed

From$2,565

To$2,140

↓ $425

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$563

Difference

Home Values

Atlanta

Durham

$441K

Median Value

$411K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

$202K - $1.46M

Price Range

$306K - $461K

Homes in Durham are 7% less expensive than Atlanta

Calculate payment - Atlanta Calculate payment - Durham

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$111

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Atlanta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Durham, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.