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Cost of Living in East Durham

Is it better to rent or buy in East Durham? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$81,471
$994/mo

Median in area: $994

$245,300

Median in area: $245,300

$49,060

If you Rent

$1,176 /mo
Base Rent$994
Est. Utilities$182
% of Income17.3%
Pre-tax Residual$5,613

If you Buy

$1,887 /mo
P&I (6.93%)$1,296
Taxes & Ins$409
Est. Utilities$182
% of Income27.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,902

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in East Durham?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in East Durham. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,176, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,887 per month (a difference of $711).

How much do utilities cost in East Durham?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in East Durham is approximately $182. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in East Durham?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in East Durham without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $47,040 per year.