Durham, CT vs Riverside, CT

The cost of living difference between Durham, CT and Riverside, CT is dramatic. Durham is 54.6% cheaper than Riverside, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Durham has a cost index of 117 while Riverside sits at 258, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Durham is $1,684/month compared to $2,419/month in Riverside — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Durham is more affordable at $378,900 median vs $1,824,700.

Median household income in Durham is $126,406 compared to $250,001 in Riverside (-49.4%). The higher salaries in Riverside partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Durham spend roughly 16% of their income on rent, more than the 11.6% in Riverside.