Cheap Apartments for Rent in Durham, NC from $400 (370 Rentals)

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

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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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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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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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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Durham, NC Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Durham, NC

Pricing Updated: 05/18/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Durham, NC area range in price from $768 to $18,422 with an overall median price of $3,011. The three Durham neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Plum Street at $1,350, Northgate at $899, and Greysons Green at $900. 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$1,350$1,3502
Northgate$1,449$89939
Greysons Green$1,668$900181
Tuscaloosa-Lakewood$1,670$92522
Cardinal Lake$1,684$799175
Weaver$1,684$94484
Auburn$1,690$799312
Campus Hills$1,690$835117
Ed Cook$1,690$835269
Emoryville$1,690$835182

Cheapest Available Durham Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Durham, NC is a Studio unit found at Vivo Living Forest Hills in the South Durham neighborhood priced from $799. 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
Vivo Living Forest HillsSTDO - StudioStudio,1BA$799
Vivo Living DurhamCARO-B - The Carolinas - BStudio,1BA$799
Vivo Living Ivy CreekSTDO - StudioStudio,1BA$799
Private Room with Walk-In Closet – Utilities & WiFi IncludedDillard (Inside Unit) - 1st floor - Suite A1BR,1BA$800
Rolling Hills ApartmentsRH 1B 1B1BR,1BA$835
Icon Downtown DurhamA1 Studio C Standard -Call for AvailabilityStudio,1BA$875
The Oaks at NorthgateThe Oak2BR,1BA$899
Strawberry Hill Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$900
Crossings @ 5011x1 Creekview Classic- Call for Availability1BR,1BA$900
Reserve @ Blu Townhomes1x1 Standard- Call For Availability1BR,1BA$900

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Durham, NC

As of May 18, 2026 the best value apartment in the Durham area is the $1.08 price per square foot Chandler (TH) Model at Treybrooke at the Park in the in the Huntington Woods neighborhood starting from $1,844. The second greatest value Durham apartment is the B2 Model at Vetra Forest Hills - Lexington Street starting at $1,595 with a $1.06 price per square foot in the Fayetteville Street Corridor 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.
Treybrooke at the ParkChandler (TH)3BR,2BA$1.08
Vetra Forest Hills - Lexington StreetB22BR,2BA$1.06
Pendleton TownhomesFour Bedroom Townhome4BR,2BA$1.25
LochridgeThe Eno 12502BR,2.5BA$1.17
Rippling Stream Townhomes2x1.52BR,1.5BA$1.09
MAA Brierdale11B1BR,1BA$1.22
Triangle PlaceThe Willow Renovated1BR,1BA$1.25
Trinity Properties - Campus Walk2 bedroom/1 bath2BR,1BA$1.24
Viceroy ApartmentsVR 2x12BR,1BA$1.19
The Mews Apartments and TownhomesThe Dover1BR,1BA$1.24

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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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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.

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

Explore Durham, NC Rentals by Map

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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 $900.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Durham?

The cheapest apartment in Durham is Private Room with Walk-In Closet – Utilities & WiFi Included which is listed at $800, while the average apartment in Durham costs $3,011.

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 12,953 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 $973 which is $2,038 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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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.