Salary & Cost of Living in Durham, NC
Durham, NC: $70,000 median salary, cost of living index 102, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$70,000
$34/hr
Cost of Living
102
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3%
rate
Durham, NC Overview
Population
283,506
Median Salary
$70,000
Average Salary
$78,000
Avg Commute
23 min
Median Home Price
$350,000
Median Rent
$1,400/mo
Job Growth
+3.2%
Sales Tax
7.5%
Durham is located in North Carolina with a population of 283,506. The median household salary is $70,000 per year ($34/hour), which is $10,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +3.2%.
Durham Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Durham, NC, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$54,656
$4,554.67/month · $2,102.15/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.9%
Gross Pay
$70,000
Federal Tax
-$7,014
State Tax
-$2,975
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,355
Net Pay
$54,656
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,833.33 | $70,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$584.50 | -$7,014.00 |
| North Carolina State Tax (4.25%) | -$247.92 | -$2,975.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$361.67 | -$4,340.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$84.58 | -$1,015.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,554.67 | $54,656.00 |
Salary Comparison: Durham vs Other Cities
See how Durham's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC | $70,000 | 102 | $68,627 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Rancho Cucamonga, CA | $70,000 | 118 | $59,322 |
| Westminster, CO | $70,000 | 108 | $64,815 |
| Lakewood, CO | $70,200 | 110 | $63,818 |
| Juneau, AK | $70,500 | 132 | $53,409 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Durham
Durham's cost of living index is 102 (national average = 100). Living in Durham is 2% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$350,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,400
Annual Rent Cost
$16,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $54,656 annual take-home pay in Durham has the purchasing power of approximately $53,584 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $71,400 in Durham to match a $70,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Durham
Durham's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $70,000.
Salary Tips for Durham Workers
- Research top industries. Durham's top industries include Technology, Healthcare, Education. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $70,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Durham, NC?
The median salary in Durham, NC is $70,000 per year, or $34 per hour. The average salary is $78,000. This is $10,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC?
Durham's cost of living index is 102 (national average = 100), meaning it is 2% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $350,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,400.
What are the best industries in Durham?
The top industries in Durham, NC include Technology, Healthcare, Education. The city has a job growth rate of 3.2% and an unemployment rate of 3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $70,000.
How does Durham's salary compare to other cities?
Durham's median salary of $70,000 is 17.9% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 102), the real purchasing power is approximately $68,627.
What is the minimum wage in Durham, NC?
The minimum wage in Durham, NC is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.