Data last updated: August 2026

Boston, MADurham, NC

You would need around 42.7% less money in Durham, NC to maintain the same standard of living you have in Boston, MA.

Overall Cost of Living

42.7%

Durham, NC is cheaper than Boston, MA

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A3,416 USD
City B1,767 USD
Difference-48.3%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A317 USD
City B286 USD
Difference-9.8%

Average Net Salary

City A6,231 USD
City B4,535 USD
Difference-27.2%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Boston, MA to Durham, NC? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Durham, NC is 42.7% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Durham, NC's center costs around 1,767 USD, which is a staggering 48.3% less than in Boston, MA. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Boston, MA and Durham, NC is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

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Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Durham, NC to maintain your current lifestyle in Boston, MA.

USD

You need in Durham, NC

3,569 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Boston, MA to Durham, NC and investing the 43% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 6.4 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Boston, MA budget to local Durham, NC prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1767 USD
Groceries286 USD
Utilities & Internet265 USD

Investment Planner

You save 1649 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Durham, NC.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~277,032 USD in 10 years.