Salary Needed to Live in Durham as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $57,820/year to live comfortably in Durham, NC — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$57,820
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$46,256
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,891
1% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Durham
| Expense | Durham | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $221 | $209 | +6% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $58 | $44 | +32% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $21 | $28 | -25% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $40 | $44 | -9% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $225 | $223 | +1% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $43 | $56 | -23% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,176 | $1,200 | -2% |
| Internet + Phones | $176 | $180 | -2% |
| Children Activities | $245 | $250 | -2% |
| Dining Out | $343 | $350 | -2% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $196 | $200 | -2% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $147 | $150 | -2% |
| Total Monthly | $2,891 | $2,934 | -1% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,891
Target savings (15%):$638/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,529
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$57,820
Other Household Types in Durham
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Durham?
A family with kids needs approximately $57,820/year ($4,818/month gross) to live comfortably in Durham with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Durham?
A 3br apartment/house in Durham costs approximately $221/month, which is the largest single expense at 8% of the total budget.
Is Durham affordable for a family with kids?
Durham is roughly average for family with kids costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.