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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.0K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $198.2K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area
Overall Cost
53.6%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$4,021
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$48.2K
Per year

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

Durham, NC

Population:325K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$411K

Boston, MA

Population:685K
Cost Index:
154
(54% above avg)
Median Home:$961K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Continental

Notable Facts

  • Major education center
  • Biotech capital
  • Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Durham, NC vs Boston, MA

Housing
113.7%
Durham, NC
$2,469
Boston, MA
$5,275
Difference
$2,807
more
Transportation
42.6%
Durham, NC
$1,284
Boston, MA
$1,830
Difference
$546
more
All Utilities
31.0%
Durham, NC
$546
Boston, MA
$716
Difference
$169
more
Healthcare
23.7%
Durham, NC
$601
Boston, MA
$743
Difference
$143
more
Groceries
12.5%
Durham, NC
$959
Boston, MA
$1,079
Difference
$120
more
Other
6.9%
Durham, NC
$1,707
Boston, MA
$1,825
Difference
$117
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,430
To$3,095
$1,665
1 Bed
From$1,520
To$3,255
$1,735
2 Bed
From$1,730
To$3,865
$2,135
3 Bed
From$2,140
To$4,630
$2,490
Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480$1,750/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560$3,710/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.

$7,567
Monthly in Durham, NC
$11,469
Monthly in Boston, MA
$3,902
Difference

Home Values

Durham
Boston
$411K
Median Value
$961K
↓ -0.5%
YoY Change
↓ -0.7%
↑ +38%
5-Year Change
↑ +7%
$306K - $461K
Price Range
$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 134% more expensive than Durham

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$375
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$31.25
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.3%
Rate difference

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Massachusetts State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.7%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,791/month
$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%
Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.

Environment

Durham
Boston
51 Moderate
Air Quality
36 Good
46.4%
Good Air Days
79.5%
90 Moderate
Climate Risk
94 Moderate
🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌅🌀
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
36 days
Heat Days >95°F
6 days
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
36 days
Heat Days >95°F
6 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between North Carolina and Massachusetts on TaxTakeHome.com

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