Average Rent in Durham, NC↑ Rents rising 14.8% YoY🔺 Most expensive in NC

Durham, NC has rental prices ranging from $1,548/month to $2,807/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,637/month — 17% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $81,017/year, spending $1,637/month on a 1-bedroom represents 24% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Durham Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,872/month, Durham ranks #1 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in North Carolina — pricier than 97% of all US cities in our data.

The Durham Rental Market

The Durham, NC area has a population of about 594,291 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Durham, NC have risen by $241/month (14.8%) over the past year, from $1,631 to $1,872. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Durham, NC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $65,480. The local median household income of $81,017 exceeds that threshold by $15,537, making Durham relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Durham, NC is $400,039, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 17.8. With a break-even horizon of approximately 18 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Durham's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Crest Street ($247,818 median home value), Albright ($252,990 median home value), Omah Street ($253,444 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Durham, NC Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Durham?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Durham

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.