Cost of Living in Durham, CA

With a cost of living index of 120, Durham, CA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 20% more expensive than the national average and 24% below the California state average of 144. Durham is a smaller community of 6,111 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Durham's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,092 (17% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $612,100 (101% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.1x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Durham is $120,778, which is 61% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 11% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Durham. The area sees an average annual temperature of 63.2°F, with summers averaging 78°F and winters around 49°F. Annual rainfall totals 25.7 inches spread over roughly 73 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Chico, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.