Durham vs Raleigh for Singles (2026)
Scroll down for rent burden, savings estimate, and FAQ.
Single-person cost breakdown
| Metric | Durham North Carolina | Raleigh North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,400Better | $1,400 |
| 1BR rent / month | $1,750 | $1,700Better |
| Est. single-person income | $43KBetter | $42K |
| Est. monthly take-home | $3,438Better | $3,343 |
| Studio rent burden | 41%Better | 42% |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 98 | 96Better |
| State income tax | 4.5%Better | 4.5% |
| Walk score | 36 / 100Better | 26 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 102 | 101Better |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Monthly savings
Durham: ~$1,430/mo left after rent & living
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is more affordable for a single person — Durham or Raleigh?
For a single person, Durham comes out ahead on overall affordability. Studio rents are $1,400 in Durham vs $1,400 in Raleigh. A single earner in Durham spends about 41% of take-home on studio rent. Raleigh is ~1% cheaper overall, which matters significantly on a single income.
What is the rent burden for a single person in Durham vs Raleigh?
Rent burden is the percentage of take-home pay spent on housing. Financial planners recommend keeping housing under 30% of gross income. In Durham, a single earner spending $1,400/month on a studio carries a 41% rent burden — significantly above the recommended 30%. In Raleigh, the rent burden is 42% — significantly above the recommended 30%.
How much can a single person save each month in Durham vs Raleigh?
After rent and basic living expenses (groceries, utilities, transport), a single earner can save approximately $1,430/month in Durham vs $1,339/month in Raleigh. These estimates are based on a single-person income of ~60% of median household income and studio rent costs.
Is it worth living alone in Durham vs getting a roommate in Raleigh?
Splitting a 1BR in Raleigh ($1,700/person) vs a solo studio in Durham ($1,400): splitting a 1BR in Raleigh ($850/person) is cheaper than a solo studio in Durham ($1,400). Factor in the privacy premium and your living preferences when deciding.
Which city is better for a single person's social life?
Walkability is a proxy for urban density and access to dining, entertainment, and social spaces without a car. Durham scores higher (36/100) — car-dependent, which may limit spontaneous social activity. For singles, a walkable neighborhood can significantly reduce the cost and friction of having an active social life.
Single-person income estimated at 60% of median household income. Take-home calculated using state income tax rate only. Savings estimate subtracts rent and estimated basic living costs. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026