Housing Costs in Durham

Housing is often the biggest expense when it comes to the cost of living in Durham, NC. As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Durham is around $1,650 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, a typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house is in the range of $1,800 to $2,400 per month, depending on the neighborhood and home condition.

Here’s a quick comparison of common housing options in Durham:

• Studio apartment: $1,100 – $1,400/month
• 1-bedroom apartment: $1,300 – $1,600/month
• 2-bedroom apartment: $1,500 – $1,800/month
• 3-bedroom house (older): $1,800 – $2,200/month mortgage
• 3-bedroom house (newer): $2,200 – $2,600/month mortgage

It’s important to note that some neighborhoods in Durham, especially those closer to Duke University or Research Triangle Park, may have higher housing costs. HOA fees are also common for many newer homes and condos, typically adding $200 to $400 per month.

Utilities and Energy Bills

Utility costs in Durham are relatively moderate compared to the national average. For a typical 2-bedroom apartment, residents can expect to pay around $120 per month for electricity, $40 for water, and $30 for trash pickup. Natural gas, used for heating and cooking in some homes, averages about $50 per month.

However, Durham’s hot summers mean higher cooling costs from June through September. During these months, electric bills often spike by 30% to 50%. Here’s a monthly utilities estimate for a 2-bedroom apartment:

Utility	Typical Monthly Cost
Electricity	$120 ($150-$180 in summer)
Water	$40
Trash	$30
Natural gas (if applicable)	$50
Total	$240 – $300 per month

Groceries and Daily Expenses

Food costs in Durham are slightly lower than the national average. Groceries for a single person typically run about $300 to $400 per month, while a family of four can expect to spend $900 to $1,200 on groceries monthly.

Dining out is a popular option in Durham, with a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines available. A meal at a casual restaurant averages $12 to $18 per person, while a nicer dinner out might cost $30 to $50 per person. Assuming a mix of cooking at home and dining out, a typical food budget might look like:

• Single person: $500 – $700/month
• Couple: $800 – $1,100/month
• Family of four: $1,200 – $1,600/month

Other daily expenses like household supplies, toiletries, and basic necessities add another $50 to $150 per person monthly.

Taxes and Fees

Durham’s property tax rate is 0.55%, slightly lower than the national average. For a $300,000 home, annual property taxes would be about $1,650, or $138 per month.

North Carolina charges a 4.75% state income tax, with an additional 2% for Durham County. Sales tax in Durham is 7.5%, which includes the 4.75% state rate and a 2.75% local rate.

Vehicle ownership costs include an annual vehicle property tax (based on the car’s value), registration fees of about $40 per year, and state-required insurance. A typical driver in Durham might spend $100 to $150 per month on vehicle expenses, not including gas.

Monthly Budget Summary

So what does it really cost to live in Durham? Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for three common scenarios, based on gross (pre-tax) income:

Expense	Single Person	Couple	Family of 4
Housing (rent/mortgage)	$1,300	$1,800	$2,200
Utilities	$200	$280	$350
Groceries & Dining Out	$600	$1,000	$1,400
Transportation	$150	$250	$400
Other Necessities	$250	$400	$600
Monthly Total (pre-tax)	$2,500	$3,730	$4,950

Keep in mind these are general estimates. Individual budgets can vary significantly based on lifestyle, neighborhood, and spending habits. To live comfortably in Durham, a good rule of thumb is to aim for a gross monthly income of at least $3,000 for a single person, $4,500 for a couple, or $6,000 for a family of four.

Lifestyle Considerations

Durham offers a mix of urban amenities and suburban comfort. Commute times are reasonable, with most residents spending 20 to 30 minutes driving to work. However, traffic can be heavier near Duke University and Research Triangle Park during peak hours.

The city has a variety of neighborhoods to fit different lifestyles and budgets. Downtown Durham and the Ninth Street area offer walkable access to dining, shopping, and entertainment, but housing costs are higher. More affordable options can be found in South Durham or East Durham, though these areas may require more driving.

For families, Durham has good public schools and ample parks and recreation options. The city’s low crime rates and friendly community atmosphere make it an attractive place to raise children. However, the tradeoff is that newer, larger homes in the best school districts often come with higher price tags.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is Durham an expensive place to live?
  A: Compared to other major cities in the U.S., Durham’s cost of living is relatively moderate. Housing costs are the biggest factor, but overall expenses are manageable for most income levels.
• Q: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Durham?
  A: A good rule of thumb is to have a gross monthly income of at least $3,000 for a single person, $4,500 for a couple, or $6,000 for a family of four to live comfortably in Durham.
• Q: What’s the average rent in Durham?
  A: As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Durham is around $1,650 per month. Rent prices can vary significantly by neighborhood and apartment amenities.
• Q: Are utilities expensive in Durham?
  A: Utility costs in Durham are moderate, with a typical 2-bedroom apartment averaging $240 to $300 per month for electricity, water, trash, and gas (if applicable). Summers can bring higher electric bills due to air conditioning.
• Q: How much should I budget for food in Durham?
  A: Food costs will depend on your household size and dining habits, but a typical estimate is $500-$700 per month for a single person, $800-$1,100 for a couple, or $1,200-$1,600 for a family of four.
• Q: Is Durham more affordable than other cities in the Research Triangle?
  A: Durham tends to be slightly more affordable than Raleigh or Chapel Hill, especially when it comes to housing. However, some neighborhoods in Durham can be just as pricey as other parts of the Triangle.
• Q: What’s the sales tax rate in Durham?
  A: As of 2025, the sales tax rate in Durham is 7.5%, which includes a 4.75% state rate and a 2.75% local rate. This applies to most goods and services, with a few exceptions like groceries and prescription drugs.