Cost of Living in Durham County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Durham County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Durham County, North Carolina
Durham rents strain incomes despite growth
Durham County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% significantly exceeds the national average of 18%, marking it as the second-most-strained housing market in this sample. Residents earning $79,501 pay $1,415 monthly—the highest rent in this county group—driven by Research Triangle economic vitality.
Urban pressure above state norms
Durham's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks it above North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, second only to Cumberland County in affordability pressure. The $1,415 median rent reflects Durham's role as a tech and biotech hub, creating demand that drives prices upward across the region.
Urban premium over surrounding counties
Durham's $1,415 rent far exceeds rural and coastal alternatives: it's $552 more than Davidson, $530 more than Duplin, and $108 more than coastal Dare County. Only the coastal premium of Dare County approaches Durham's pricing, despite Durham's inland location within the Research Triangle.
Renters and owners both pay steep costs
Renters pay $1,415 while owners pay $1,430 monthly on a $79,501 income, making Durham the most expensive county overall in both tenure categories. These costs consume roughly 21.4% of gross income for renters and 21.6% for owners—among the highest burdens in this comparison.
Durham demands premium income for opportunity
Moving to Durham for Research Triangle jobs means budgeting roughly 21% of income for housing—significantly more than state and national averages. Compare Durham's $1,415 rents against smaller piedmont alternatives like Davie ($889) to assess whether the career opportunity justifies the housing cost premium you'll pay.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Durham County
Rent Burden
21.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,855
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.6%
of gross income
The median home in Durham County may be a stretch
Median home value is $351,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,808 vs. your max of $1,855.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.