Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

Durham vs Houston

$75,000 salary · single filer · 2-bedroom apartment

Monthly take-home pay

Durham$4,814

Houston$5,096

2-bedroom rent (HUD FMR)

Durham$1,711

Houston$1,573

Left after rent

Durham$3,103

Houston$3,523

Thinking about moving from Durham to Houston on a $75k salary? On $75,000 a year, you take home $4,814/mo in Durham and $5,096/mo in Houston after taxes. Factor in a 2-bedroom apartment and you're left with $3,103/mo in Durham vs $3,523/mo in Houston. Numbers use 2026 tax brackets and HUD fair market rents. Treat them as a starting point, not financial advice.

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