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Durham, NC Utility & Living Guide
Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The county seat of Durham County, small portions of the city limits extend into Orange County and Wake County. Durham is the 4th-most populous city in North Carolina and 70th-most populous city in the United States with a population of 283,506 at
Monthly Utility Costs
$120/mo
$50/mo
$45/mo
$25/mo
$65/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1200/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1600/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2100/mo |
| Median Home Price | $320,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.2% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1000 |
Durham’s housing market is competitive, with rising home prices due to demand from tech workers and academics. Inventory remains tight, especially in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Cost of Living
105
+5% above national average
102
98
100
$1000
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 7.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.2% |
| <p>State 4.75% + County 2% + City 0.75%</p> | |
North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.99% as of 2026.
Family & Relocation
50
6.5/10
$1000/mo
City Pulse
Durham's public transit includes buses with wheelchair lifts, but coverage is limited. Walkability varies by neighborhood.
- Museum of Life and Science
- Durham Bulls Athletic Park
- Duke Lemur Center
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Durham based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Durham requires permits for home renovations and has strict zoning laws to preserve historic districts.
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.
📊 Durham — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Summer AC usage can double electric bills, while winter heating costs rise moderately due to gas usage. Spring and fall are the most affordable seasons for utilities.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
Key ZIP code level tax info: Durham County millage rate is 0.72%. No local surtaxes beyond state and county rates.
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
7/10: Sidewalks are common in newer neighborhoods, and parks are accessible, but older areas may lack infrastructure. Transit elevators are rare.
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