Data last updated: August 2026

Oakland, CADurham, NC

You would need around 24.4% less money in Durham, NC to maintain the same standard of living you have in Oakland, CA.

Overall Cost of Living

24.4%

Durham, NC is cheaper than Oakland, CA

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,421 USD
City B1,767 USD
Difference-27.0%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A359 USD
City B286 USD
Difference-20.3%

Average Net Salary

City A5,242 USD
City B4,535 USD
Difference-13.5%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Oakland, CA 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 24.4% 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 27.0% less than in Oakland, CA. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Oakland, CA 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.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

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

USD

You need in Durham, NC

3,963 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from Oakland, CA to Durham, NC and investing the 24% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 3.7 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Oakland, CA 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 654 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 ~109,872 USD in 10 years.