Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Durham?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Durham, you need to earn at least $59,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $125,789, which means the typical resident is $66,229 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 6,337

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,042	$3,473	$41,680	$-84,109
1 Bedroom	$1,236	$4,120	$49,440	$-76,349
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,489	$4,963	$59,560	$-66,229
3 Bedroom	$1,817	$6,057	$72,680	$-53,109
4 Bedroom	$2,234	$7,447	$89,360	$-36,429

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Durham's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$125,789

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$59,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$66,229

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Durham

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Durham's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$3,145

Studio

$1,042/mo

1 BR

$1,236/mo

2 BR

$1,489/mo

3 BR

$1,817/mo

4 BR

$2,234/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Durham.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Durham's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Durham

Durham, California stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $125,789 significantly exceeds the $59,560 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $66,229 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Durham, a studio at $1,042/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,817/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $72,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $89,340 would position you well — though many residents in Durham manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Durham, California.

With a total population of 6,337, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,859 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $59,560 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

2,859

Active civilian employees in Durham

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Durham

What salary do I need to live in Durham, California?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Durham under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $59,560. The median household income in Durham is $125,789.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Durham on $125,789?

The affordability verdict for Durham is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.2%, meaning median earners have a $66,229 surplus.

What is the average rent in Durham compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Durham is $1,236/month. With a median household income of $125,789, residents spend approximately 14.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Durham?

A studio in Durham rents for approximately $1,042/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $41,680 to afford this.

Is Durham considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $66,229 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Durham is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $59,560 to the local median household income.

How Durham Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements