
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Durham, NC from $400 (308 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Durham.


2006 House Ave

607 Carroll St, Unit A

The Forest

Icon Downtown Durham

1153 Delano St

Regency Place Apartments

Reserve @ Blu Townhomes

Crossings @ 501 Apartments

Strawberry Hill Apartments
Durham's Best Affordable Neighborhoods
Learn about Durham and the best places to live with original content written by Local Expert Billy K

1214 Hearthside St

Willowdaile

409 N Maple St

University Ridge Apartments

Crystal Village

The Pines

810 Lee St

SoHo Apartment Homes

Total Monthly Price
Vivo Living Durham

BLU Station Apartments
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

Total Monthly Price
Vivo Living Ivy Creek

Total Monthly Price
Vivo Living Forest Hills

ReNew Durham

Anderson Apartments

Pine Ridge

The Mews Apartments and Townhomes

Duke Manor- Students save up to 10%!

1216 W Chapel Hill Rd

2212 Hart St

Stonewood Apartments
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

South Point

Nova Chapel Hill

Forest Pointe

Woodlake Reserve

Lakeside Gardens

910 Fiske St

Chapel Tower - Students save up to 10%!

Total Monthly Price
Element at Creekside

Poplar West Apartments

Springfield
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

Croasdaile

ReNew West Durham

The Element Apartments

Camden Pointe Apartments

Poplar Manor

303 Raynor St

Colonial Townhouses- Students save up to 10%!

Emerald Place

The Sawyer

Mission University Pines
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.
Durham, NC Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Durham?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Durham Studio Apartments | $1,440 | $850 | $3,789 |
| Cheap Durham 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,610 | $800 | $4,541 |
| Cheap Durham 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,941 | $900 | $7,661 |
| Cheap Durham 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,354 | $1,266 | $9,780 |
| Cheap Durham 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,257 | $1,310 | $4,000 |
Browse Top Apartments in Durham
See all Apartments in DurhamExplore Durham

Durham, NC Local Guide

- Durham Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Durham, NC
Pricing Updated: 08/16/2026Current apartment rentals in the Durham, NC area range in price from $545 to $5,200 with an overall median price of $1,899. The three Durham neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Tuscaloosa-Lakewood at $1,325, Duke University at $1,447, and Duke Forest at $1,460. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Durham Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa-Lakewood | $1,325 | $985 | 8 |
| Duke University | $1,447 | $945 | 11 |
| Duke Forest | $1,460 | $1,195 | 6 |
| Forest Hills | $1,497 | $600 | 20 |
| Crest Street | $1,525 | $945 | 7 |
| American Tobacco | $1,595 | $1,495 | 2 |
| Plum Street | $1,622 | $600 | 26 |
| West End | $1,645 | $1,195 | 15 |
| West End Durham | $1,677 | $600 | 35 |
| Southwest Central Durham | $1,695 | $1,195 | 16 |
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 $799. Dupont Circle in the Downtown Durham neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $840. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Durham apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monarch Apartments | Monarch - Studio | Studio,1BA | $799 |
| Dupont Circle | The Brightleaf 600 | 1BR,1BA | $840 |
| Community Room Rental – Durham | Dillard (Inside Unit) - 1st floor - Suite A | 1BR,1BA | $840 |
| 2006 House Ave | Studio | Studio,1BA | $850 |
| The Forest | The Willow I | Studio,1BA | $865 |
| Icon Downtown Durham | A1 Studio C Standard -Call for Availability | Studio,1BA | $875 |
| Barclay Apartments | 1 Beds, 1 Baths | 1BR,1BA | $895 |
| Regency Place Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $899 |
| Crossings @ 501 Apartments | Creekview Classic - Call for Availability | 1BR,1BA | $900 |
| Reserve @ Blu Townhomes | 1x1 Standard- Call For Availability | 1BR,1BA | $900 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Durham, NC
As of August 16, 2026 the best value apartment in the Durham area is the $1.10 price per square foot Willow Model at NightStar Village in the in the South Durham neighborhood starting from $2,574. The second greatest value Durham apartment is the 502 Whitaker Street Model at 502 Whitaker Street, Unit B starting at $1,700 with a $1.13 price per square foot in the Triple Crown Estates neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Durham apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| NightStar Village | Willow | 3BR,2.5BA | $1.10 |
| 502 Whitaker Street, Unit B | 502 Whitaker Street | 3BR,1BA | $1.13 |
| Emory Woods | 2 BEDROOM 1.5 BATH TOWNHOME | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.15 |
| Ashley Park Apartments | One Bedroom Apartment Homes | 1BR,1BA | $1.11 |
| Balfour West | 2 Bed 2.5 Bath Classic | 2BR,2.5BA | $1.20 |
| Pickett Square Townhomes | The Eno 1162 | 2BR,2.5BA | $1.22 |
| MAA Providence | The Cedar | 2BR,2BA | $1.21 |
| Colonial Townhouses- Students save up to 10%! | Yorktown | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.03 |
| Foxridge Apartments | Two Bedroom Two Bathroom 45% | 2BR,2BA | $1.21 |
| Rolling Hills Apartments | RH 2B 1B | 2BR,1BA | $1.21 |
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.
Read ArticleReal 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.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
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
See the most popular apartments and homes in Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Durham Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Durham?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Durham is at Monarch Apartments listed at $799.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Durham Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Durham Apartment is $840 at Dupont Circle.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Durham Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Durham is starting from $995 at Rolling Hills Apartments.
What is the most affordable Durham Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Durham Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Reserve @ Blu Townhomes and starts from $1,300.
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

Durham's Best & Brightest: Insider Tips on Universities and Student Living in Nearby Apartments in Durham
Written by: Billy K
I'm Billy, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Durham, North Carolina.

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.