Cost of Living in Durham, CT

With a cost of living index of 117, Durham, CT is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 17% more expensive than the national average and 8% below the Connecticut state average of 125. Durham is a small community of 3,508 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Durham's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,684 (28% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $378,900 (24% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Durham is $126,406, which is 68% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% 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.

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.