Cost of Living in Durham, NC - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $983 (excluding rent), and $2,637 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,168 (excluding rent), and $4,921 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.94 $14.94

$11.95 $11.95

$24.90 $24.90

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$71.4 $71.4

$61.2 $61.2

$153 $153

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.17 $10.17

$8.14 $8.14

$14.24 $14.24

Cappuccino

$4.76 $4.76

$3.06 $3.06

$7.14 $7.14

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.24 $2.24

$2.03 $2.03

$3.57 $3.57

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.83 $1.83

$1.47 $1.47

$2.46 $2.46

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.14 $5.14

$4.11 $4.11

$8.22 $8.22

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.33 $6.33

$4.87 $4.87

$8.76 $8.76

Milk (1 liter)

$0.94 $0.94

$0.74 $0.74

$1.08 $1.08

White Bread (500g)

$3.74 $3.74

$2.61 $2.61

$6.22 $6.22

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.66 $3.66

$1.92 $1.92

$10.88 $10.88

Eggs

$4.54 $4.54

$2.56 $2.56

$9.52 $9.52

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.10 $9.10

$8.05 $8.05

$11.80 $11.80

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.23 $12.23

$5.83 $5.83

$21.69 $21.69

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.77 $15.77

$8.81 $8.81

$40.02 $40.02

Apples (1kg)

$5.49 $5.49

$2.16 $2.16

$8.41 $8.41

Banana (1kg)

$1.18 $1.18

$1.05 $1.05

$4.29 $4.29

Oranges (1kg)

$3.74 $3.74

$0.99 $0.99

$15.18 $15.18

Tomato (1kg)

$3.48 $3.48

$1.98 $1.98

$7.54 $7.54

Potato (1kg)

$2.54 $2.54

$0.98 $0.98

$9.96 $9.96

Onion (1kg)

$2.72 $2.72

$0.99 $0.99

$4.37 $4.37

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.91 $1.91

$1.52 $1.52

$4.93 $4.93

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.91 $1.91

$0.98 $0.98

$3.90 $3.90

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.05 $10.05

$7.44 $7.44

$21.10 $21.10

Wine (Bottle)

$14.72 $14.72

$11.78 $11.78

$17.67 $17.67

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.68 $1.68

$4.17 $4.17

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.17 $4.17

$1.20 $1.20

$7.93 $7.93

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.02 $1.02

$2.04 $2.04

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$24.87 $24.87

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.96 $1.96

$2.45 $2.45

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.57 $1.57

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$22.51 $22.51

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.83 $0.83

$0.73 $0.73

$0.94 $0.94

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$28.4K $28.4K

$22.6K $22.6K

$35.1K $35.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.7K $25.7K

$24.0K $24.0K

$27.8K $27.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$158 $158

$98.7 $98.7

$642 $642

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.3 $54.3

$25.37 $25.37

$193 $193

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$76.4 $76.4

$51.0 $51.0

$122 $122

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$39.78 $39.78

$24.86 $24.86

$54.7 $54.7

Cinema Ticket

$12.08 $12.08

$10.07 $10.07

$15.10 $15.10

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,300 $1,300

$808 $808

$1,717 $1,717

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$31.1K $31.1K

$27.3K $27.3K

$32.1K $32.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.5 $52.5

$36.43 $36.43

$74.6 $74.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$35.10 $35.10

$20.01 $20.01

$120 $120

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$78.5 $78.5

$65.3 $65.3

$131 $131

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$119 $119

$74.4 $74.4

$248 $248

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,846 $1,846

$1,821 $1,821

$1,871 $1,871

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,418 $1,418

$1,385 $1,385

$1,484 $1,484

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,575 $2,575

$2,422 $2,422

$2,802 $2,802

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,358 $2,358

$2,282 $2,282

$2,434 $2,434

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,661 $2,661

$2,656 $2,656

$3,174 $3,174

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,673 $2,673

$2,663 $2,663

$2,684 $2,684

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,493 $4,493

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.54

6.19

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 11, 2026

Durham, NC Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Durham, NC - Frequently Asked Questions

Durham tends to offer a balanced mix of value and access for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. You’ll find a diverse range of housing styles, a vibrant food scene, and reliable amenities without paying the high prices of many coastal metros. In terms of comparison, the Cost of Living in Durham, NC, United States sits notably lower than major tech hubs while still delivering urban conveniences, culture, and easy access to nature. Neighborhoods vary in vibe and price, so you can choose based on work needs and pace. Tip: Start with a short-term rental to test neighborhoods before committing.

Daily life in Durham, NC, United States for long-term visitors blends practicality with discovery. Housing ranges from modern downtown flats to quieter homes in Trinity Park or East Durham, with options to match different work rhythms. You’ll notice a broad food scene, from farmers markets to neighborhood eateries, alongside reliable groceries. For getting around, GoDurham buses cover many routes, and bike-friendly streets invite you to pedal between work and leisure. Understanding the Durham, NC, United States living cost helps you budget housing, groceries, and transport as you plan your week. Tip: Start with a flexible calendar that aligns errands with off-peak transit days.

Neighborhoods in Durham suit different rhythms: Downtown Durham for nightlife, arts, and short commutes; Trinity Park or Duke University area for bikeable campuses and leafy streets; East Durham for more space and emerging eateries. When budgeting, think in terms of essentials first: housing, utilities, and groceries; then adapt your discretionary spend to the season: summers may push cooling costs, fall markets offer free events, and winter can bring cozy, compact setups. Use long-lease options or month-to-month stays to test vibe, then lock in a place that matches your pace and noise tolerance. Tip: visit neighborhoods at different times of day and week to feel the rhythm before choosing.