Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Durham?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Durham, you need to earn at least $62,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $74,710, which means the typical resident is $12,270 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 284,094

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,093	$3,643	$43,720	$-30,990
1 Bedroom	$1,296	$4,320	$51,840	$-22,870
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,561	$5,203	$62,440	$-12,270
3 Bedroom	$1,904	$6,347	$76,160	+$1,450
4 Bedroom	$2,342	$7,807	$93,680	+$18,970

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

$74,710

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$62,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$12,270

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.1%

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$1,868

Studio

$1,093/mo

1 BR

$1,296/mo

2 BR

$1,561/mo

3 BR

$1,904/mo

4 BR

$2,342/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

Renting in Durham, North Carolina is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $62,440/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $74,710, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,296/month) or studio ($1,093/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Durham pushes the required income to $76,160.

For comfortable living in Durham without financial stress, target a household income of at least $93,660 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for North Carolina's cost of living.

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, North Carolina.

With a total population of 284,094, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 154,398 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $62,440 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

154,398

Active civilian employees in Durham

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Durham

What salary do I need to live in Durham, North Carolina?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Durham under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $62,440. The median household income in Durham is $74,710.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Durham on $74,710?

The affordability verdict for Durham is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.1%, meaning median earners have a $12,270 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Durham is $1,296/month. With a median household income of $74,710, residents spend approximately 25.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Durham?

A studio in Durham rents for approximately $1,093/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $43,720 to afford this.

Is Durham considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $12,270 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Durham is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $62,440 to the local median household income.

How Durham Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements