2026
Salary needed to live in Durham, NC (2026)
One adult needs about $53,600 before tax. Comfortable means both of these, while renting. Rent is at most 30% of gross pay. And money left after tax, rent, and the other modelled bills is at least $500 a month for one adult, $800 for a couple, or $1,000 for a family of two adults and one school-age child. The family row uses a two-bedroom and does not include full-time childcare.
Your saved paycheck is $92,121 from Chicago. You clear this figure by $38,521.
| Household | Salary needed | Rent | Rent share | Left each month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Single One adult, one bedroom | $53,600 | $1,274 | 29% | $505 |
Couple Two adults, two equal paychecks, one bedroom | $80,700 | $1,274 | 19% | $806 |
Family Two adults, one school-age child, two bedrooms, no full-time childcare | $94,200 | $1,517 | 19% | $1,000 |
For one adult, leftover is the number that binds. Pay has to rise past the 30% rent line before $500 is left.
Is this a good salary in Durham?
One adult, one bedroom, earning the salary in Durham. Yes means rent is within 30% and at least $500 is left. Tight means something is left, but one of those two misses. No means the modelled bills use the paycheck.
| Salary | Left each month | Rent share | Good salary? |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $277 | 31% | Tight |
| $75,000 | $1,766 | 20% | Yes |
| $100,000 | $3,143 | 15% | Yes |
| $150,000 | $5,845 | 10% | Yes |
| $200,000 | $8,639 | 8% | Yes |
Questions
What salary do you need to live in Durham?
$53,600 for one adult in a one-bedroom in Durham, NC. A couple needs $80,700. A family of three needs $94,200.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Durham?
Yes. $100,000 in Durham keeps rent within 30% of gross and leaves at least $500 a month after tax, rent, and the other modelled bills.
Is $75,000 a good salary in Durham?
Yes. $75,000 in Durham keeps rent within 30% of gross and leaves at least $500 a month after tax, rent, and the other modelled bills.
How is the salary for Durham calculated?
Gross pay is solved so rent is at most 30% of it and leftover clears the cushion. Tax is federal, payroll, and NC wage tax, the same calculator as the city paycheck. The salary is what you earn in Durham, not a remote paycheck held constant.