What is the cost of living in Durham, NC?

In Durham, the median home value is $316,600 and median rent is $1,296 per month, against a median household income of $74,710. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).

How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Durham?

A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,296/month, that implies an income of about $51,840 to keep housing affordable in Durham.

Is it better to rent or buy in Durham?

With a median home value of $316,600 and median rent of $1,296/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Durham depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Durham, NC Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Durham, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

284,094

Population

$74,710

Median household income

+3% vs tracked median

$316,600

Median home value

-3% vs tracked median

$1,296/mo

Median rent

-7% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

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Durham, North Carolina is home to roughly 284,094 residents. The typical household earns $74,710 per year — roughly in line with the median across cities we track (+3%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $316,600 (roughly in line with the multi-city median at -3%), while renters pay a median of $1,296 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Durham

Median home value is $316,600 and median gross rent is $1,296/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Durham.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

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Moving to Durham

Planning a move to Durham? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Durham, NC?: In Durham, the median home value is $316,600 and median rent is $1,296 per month, against a median household income of $74,710. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Durham?: A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,296/month, that implies an income of about $51,840 to keep housing affordable in Durham.
Is it better to rent or buy in Durham?: With a median home value of $316,600 and median rent of $1,296/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Durham depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.