Cheap Apartments for Rent in Durham, NC from $400 (374 Rentals)

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

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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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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Durham, NC Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Durham, NC

Pricing Updated: 01/01/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Durham, NC area range in price from $450 to $12,000 with an overall median price of $2,819. The three Durham neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Northgate at $749, Croasdaile Farm at $749, and Plum Street at $1,030. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Durham Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Northgate$1,500$74942
Croasdaile Farm$1,550$749135
Plum Street$1,595$1,0302
Davenport$1,661$1,1006
Wynngate$1,661$1,1006
Kenion Grove$1,678$1,08553
Croasdaile$1,701$799309
Clearwater Lake$1,729$849239
UNC at Chapel Hill$1,745$895198
North Garrett Road$1,770$839501

Cheapest Available Durham Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Durham, NC is a Studio unit found at Monarch Apartments in the Downtown Durham neighborhood priced from $749. Vivo Living Durham in the Downtown Durham neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $799. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Durham apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Monarch ApartmentsEmbrace Elegant Living at Monarch Apartments in...Studio,1BA$749
Vivo Living DurhamCARO-B - The Carolinas - BStudio,1BA$799
Dupont CircleThe Brightleaf 5251BR,1BA$831
Vivo Living Ivy CreekSTDO - StudioStudio,1BA$839
Vivo Living Forest HillsSTDO - StudioStudio,1BA$839
Lenox EastThe Brightleaf 6501BR,1BA$851
Avalon EastThe Brightleaf 6501BR,1BA$872
Icon Downtown DurhamA1 Studio C Standard -Call for AvailabilityStudio,1BA$875
The Villages of Chapel HillThe Brighton - Cozy Studio Apartment HomeStudio,1BA$895
Emerald PlaceStudioStudio,1BA$896

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Durham, NC

As of January 01, 2026 the best value apartment in the Durham area is the $1.05 price per square foot The Trinity 1800 Model at Lochridge in the in the South Durham neighborhood starting from $1,895. The second greatest value Durham apartment is the Savannah Model at Bexley at Carpenter Village starting at $1,699 with a $1.07 price per square foot in the Huntington Woods 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.
LochridgeThe Trinity 18003BR,2.5BA$1.05
Bexley at Carpenter VillageSavannah3BR,2BA$1.07
Bexley ParkWeatherfield3BR,2BA$1.11
FairgateTwo Bedroom Townhome2BR,2.5BA$1.17
2211 Morehead Ave2BR/2BA Upper Floor2BR,2BA$1.00
Shortbread LoftsC13BR,3BA$0.94
Taylor's PondThe Eno 11622BR,2.5BA$1.14
Foxridge ApartmentsThree Bedroom Two Bathroom 60%3BR,2BA$1.10
Rippling Stream Townhomes2x1.52BR,1.5BA$1.11
Encore at the ParkA11BR,1BA$1.15

Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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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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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 $896.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Durham?

The cheapest apartment in Durham is Dupont Circle which is listed at $831, while the average apartment in Durham costs $2,819.

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 11,624 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 $886 which is $1,933 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Durham.

Expert Rental Resources

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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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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How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips

Written by: Justin Habersaat

Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.