Cost of Living in Durham, NC

With a cost of living index of 106, Durham, NC is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 6% more expensive than the national average and 22% above the North Carolina state average of 84. As a major city with a population of 288,465, Durham offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Durham's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,412 (7% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $355,300 (17% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Durham is $79,234, which is 5% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.