Renter Resources
What Renters Must Photograph Before Moving In
Your landlord just gave you the keys. You're excited to move in, but one thing that could cost you hundreds later is not documenting what's already broken.
•8 min read
What to Know About
Living in Durham, NC
Durham, known as the "City of Medicine," is a vibrant city in the heart of the Research Triangle area. It is known for its high-quality universities and research institutions, cultural diversity, and thriving arts scene. Home to Duke University and North Carolina Central University, Durham boasts a well-educated population and a solid commitment to healthcare, with world-renowned Duke University Hospital and many other healthcare facilities in the area. Durham also offers the Durham Performing Arts Center, the Museum of Life and Science, the Nasher Museum of Art, and the American Tobacco Historic District.
The city offers natural wonders, including the Eno River State Park, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and the American Tobacco Trail. Sports fans can enjoy cheering on the Duke Blue Devils or the Durham Bulls (MiLB) in historic Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The food scene is also a major draw, known for its farm-to-table dining and craft breweries. In addition, Durham hosts the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and the Art of Cool Festival.
Durham offers an excellent quality of life with a bustling downtown, a strong sense of community, and plenty of amenities for residents to enjoy, making it a great place to live.
Rental Market Trends
Durham, NC
As of June 2025, Durham's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. Durham's average rent is 8.0% ($126) higher than the North Carolina average of $1,567 and 5.1% ($91) lower than the U.S. average of $1,784.
Average Rent
$1,693
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
1.7% ($28)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
6.1% ($110)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
29
| Unit Type | Average Rent | Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change | Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | $1,507 | 1.5% ($23) | 6.2% ($100) |
| 2 Beds | $1,846 | 2.3% ($42) | 7.1% ($141) |
| 3 Beds | $2,073 | 1% ($21) | 6.5% ($145) |
| Nearby Cities | Average Rent | Avg. Rent vs. DurhamAverage Rent vs. Durham | Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morrisville | $1,744 | 3% ($51) | 20 days |
| Hillsborough | $1,579 | 6.7% ($114) | 26 days |
| Chapel Hill | $2,072 | 22.4% ($379) | 28 days |
| Carrboro | $1,543 | 8.9% ($150) | 30 days |
| Creedmoor | $1,364 | 19.4% ($329) | 33 days |
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Durham Rental Market FAQs
Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in Durham, NC.
The average rent in Durham, NC is $1,693 per month.
Houses in Durham typically rent for between $1,055 and $2,695 per month, with an average of $1,693 per month.
In Durham, the average rent for a 1-bedroom house is $1,507 per month, for a 2-bedroom house, $1,846 per month, and a 3-bedroom house is $2,073 per month.
The average rent in Durham is 5.1% ($91) lower than the national average of $1,784 per month.
The average rent in Durham has increased by 1.7% ($28) in the last month and decreased by 6.1% ($110) over the past year.
The rental market in Durham, NC, is currently competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units.
In Durham, NC, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 29 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There are currently 515 rental properties available in Durham, NC.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $73,840 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom house in Durham.
