Cheap Apartments for Rent in Durham, NC from $400 (343 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Durham.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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Durham's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Durham and the best places to live with original content written by Local Expert Billy K

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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Durham, NC Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Durham, NC

Pricing Updated: 06/26/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Durham, NC area range in price from $450 to $18,210 with an overall median price of $2,722. The three Durham neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Plum Street at $895, Davenport at $1,037, and Wynngate at $1,037. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Durham Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Plum Street$1,225$8958
Davenport$1,422$1,0372
Wynngate$1,422$1,0373
Northgate$1,425$99536
Weaver$1,499$89937
Cardinal Lake$1,575$799102
Latta Road$1,577$91570
Latta Woods$1,577$89979
Govenors Village$1,595$1,5951
Governors Lake$1,595$1,5951

Cheapest Available Durham Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Durham, NC is a Studio unit found at Vivo Living Durham in the Downtown Durham neighborhood priced from $799. Vivo Living Forest Hills in the South Durham neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $810. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Durham apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Vivo Living DurhamThe CarolinasStudio,1BA$799
Vivo Living Forest HillsStudioStudio,1BA$810
Vivo Living Ivy CreekStudioStudio,1BA$859
Lenox EastThe Brightleaf 7001BR,1BA$881
Regency Place Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$899
Bentley RidgeThe Brightleaf 5351BR,1BA$949
Crossings @ 5011x1 Creekview Classic- Call for Availability1BR,1BA$950
BLU Station ApartmentsOne Bedroom Standard-Call For Availability1BR,1BA$950
The PinesStudioStudio,1BA$950
Avalon EastThe Brightleaf 7001BR,1BA$962

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Durham, NC

As of June 26, 2025 the best value apartment in the Durham area is the $1.16 price per square foot Balsam Model at Houndswood Village in the in the South Durham neighborhood starting from $2,750. The second greatest value Durham apartment is the 2 bed Model at Davis Park starting at $1,900 with a $1.21 price per square foot in the South Durham neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Durham apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Houndswood VillageBalsam3BR,3.5BA$1.16
Davis Park2 bed2BR,3.5BA$1.21
Bexley at Brier CreekSuntree2BR,2BA$1.17
Bexley ParkSummerglen2BR,2BA$1.13
LochridgeThe Eno 12502BR,2.5BA$1.21
MAA Brier FallsHuntley2BR,2BA$1.18
Creekside Landing2 Bed/2 Bath 1,137 Square Feet2BR,2BA$1.16
Woodlyn on the Green Apartment HomesB22BR,2BA$1.13
Emory Woods2 BEDROOM 1 BATH (1020 SF)2BR,1BA$1.21
Poplar ManorOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.24

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Durham Overview

In the middle of North Carolina, just northwest of Raleigh sits Durham. Known as the City of Medicine, it is home to Duke University, North Carolina State University, and The University of NC at Chapel Hill. Making up an area known as Research Triangle, it is one of the most high-tech research and development parks in the country. Once driven by its roots in the tobacco industry, the city is now a leader in education, technology, and medicine. Durham is a charming city with a rich history, diverse culture, and pioneering spirit. There are plenty of great apartments in Durham with nearby entertainment, cultural events, nightlife, and some of the best soul food and pulled-pork barbecue joints to satisfy every foodie.

Why live in Durham, NC?

U.S. News ranked Raleigh-Durham as the No. 4 Best Place to Live in 2016. Due to its strong job market, home values, and high quality of life, it attracts nearly 80 new residents per day. It is a young, diverse, friendly, and well-educated community that has a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy dining out, meeting at one of the local microbreweries, taking a stroll in the beautiful green spaces, or hanging out at the growing music and art scene. The cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, so it is the perfect area for new families.

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Durham, NC

Ranked #3

Among cities in North Carolina for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Durham, NC Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Durham, NC

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Getting Around Durham, NC

Walk Score®

45 / 100

Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car

Bike Score®

44 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

30 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Durham Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Durham?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Durham is under $962.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Durham?

The cheapest apartment in Durham is Lenox East which is listed at $881, while the average apartment in Durham costs $2,722.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Durham?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 3,569 regular apartments in Durham that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Durham?

Cheap apartments in Durham have an average cost of $600 which is $2,122 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Durham.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

decorative image for Your Guide to the Top 10 Affordable Neighborhoods to Rent in Durham, NC article

Your Guide to the Top 10 Affordable Neighborhoods to Rent in Durham, NC

Written by: Billy K

I'm Billy, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Durham, North Carolina. And if you’re considering settling down in Durham, you’re in luck.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.