Rent in Durham County, NC at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,711$20,532 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,745 (+2%)How much rent can you afford in Durham County, NC?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Durham County, NC by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,417 | $17,004 | $56,680 | $27.25/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,507 | $18,084 | $60,280 | $28.98/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,711 | $20,532 | $68,440 | $32.90/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,117 | $25,404 | $84,680 | $40.71/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,527 | $30,324 | $101,080 | $48.60/hr |
Cost of living in Durham County, NC: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Durham County, NC
Rent in Durham County, NC: common questions
How much is rent going up in Durham County, NC in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,745 for a two-bedroom, up 2% from $1,711. A one-bedroom goes from $1,507 to $1,554, a studio from $1,417 to $1,498.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Durham County, NC?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,507 for a one-bedroom and $1,711 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $20,532 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Durham County, NC?
To keep a $1,711 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $32.90 an hour, or $68,440 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,507 takes $28.98 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Durham County, NC?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,417, one bedroom $1,507, two $1,711, three $2,117 and four $2,527 a month.
Is rent affordable in Durham County, NC?
For the typical household, earning $82,316 a year ($6,860 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,711 takes 24.9% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,711 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $68,440. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $32.90 an hour.