Salary Needed to Live in Durham as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $27,390/year to live comfortably in Durham, NC — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$27,390
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$23,008
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,438
2% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Durham
| Expense | Durham | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $144 | $137 | +5% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $35 | $27 | +30% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $14 | $19 | -26% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $32 | $35 | -9% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $225 | $223 | +1% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $43 | $56 | -23% |
| Internet | $64 | $65 | -2% |
| Phone (×2) | $137 | $140 | -2% |
| Dining & Social | $441 | $450 | -2% |
| Entertainment | $176 | $180 | -2% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $127 | $130 | -2% |
| Total Monthly | $1,438 | $1,462 | -2% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,438
Target savings (12%):$233/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,671
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$27,390
Other Household Types in Durham
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Durham?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $27,390/year ($2,283/month gross) to live comfortably in Durham with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Durham?
A 1-2br apartment in Durham costs approximately $144/month, which is the largest single expense at 10% of the total budget.
Is Durham affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Durham is roughly average for couple (no kids) costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.