Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Durham, NC

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Durham are Duke Homestead, Woodcroft, and South Square. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Durham, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 8, 2025, the average rent in Durham is $1,376, which is 1.5% lower than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Duke Homestead

Average Rent

$1,293/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

TransitScore® Rating

31/100

Units Available

78 Rentals

Duke Homestead is a historic neighborhood offering close proximity to its namesake historic site. Renters will find a mix of residential options, with easy access to downtown Durham and shopping areas like North Pointe Shopping Center. The neighborhood’s quiet streets and green spaces create a peaceful living environment.

Woodcroft

Average Rent

$1,383/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.8%

TransitScore® Rating

27/100

Units Available

209 Rentals

Woodcroft is a popular residential neighborhood known for its extensive trail system and access to green spaces. Renters will appreciate this area's community feel, along with its proximity to Southpoint Mall and local schools. They'll also enjoy the area's expansive selection of single-family homes and apartments.

South Square

Average Rent

$1,422/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

TransitScore® Rating

33/100

Units Available

137 Rentals

South Square is a bustling commercial hub with a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The neighborhood’s central location makes it convenient for commuting. Renters can enjoy quick access to downtown Durham as well as nearby parks like Sandy Creek Park.

Eastern Durham

Average Rent

$1,426/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

7/100

Units Available

135 Rentals

Eastern Durham is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Eastern Durham is $1,426 while the city average is $1,376. This is a -0.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Oak Crossings, Ravenstone Commons, and N.C. Central Univ.. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 19.

Hillandale

Average Rent

$1,432/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.8%

TransitScore® Rating

35/100

Units Available

144 Rentals

Hillandale is a well-established neighborhood offering a mix of suburban living and easy access to Duke University and downtown. Renters will enjoy the nearby Hillandale Golf Course and several parks for recreation. The area’s proximity to major roads makes commuting simple.

East Durham

Average Rent

$1,440/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

16/100

Units Available

247 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Durham neighborhood on a budget, check out East Durham. The average rent is $1,440, compared to the city average of $1,376. Rent prices have decreased by 0.5%. East Durham is convenient to The Mountains to the Sea Trail, Duke Gardens, and Durham Tech. Comm. Coll.. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 26.

Southpoint

Average Rent

$1,452/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

7.1%

TransitScore® Rating

32/100

Units Available

115 Rentals

Southpoint is a highly sought-after area known for its proximity to The Streets at Southpoint Mall and major highways like I-40. Here, you'll find a variety of retail and dining options, along with easy access to both Durham and Chapel Hill. The neighborhood also offers several parks and walking trails.

Duke Forest

Average Rent

$1,492/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.2%

TransitScore® Rating

33/100

Units Available

249 Rentals

Duke Forest is a tranquil neighborhood surrounded by the scenic woodlands of its namesake. Here, you'll find expansive nature trails and ample outdoor activities while still being close to Duke University and downtown Durham. The area’s quiet charm makes it ideal for those seeking a peaceful environment.

Garrett

Average Rent

$1,527/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

10%

TransitScore® Rating

26/100

Units Available

193 Rentals

Garrett offers a peaceful residential setting just minutes from downtown Durham. Renters will appreciate the neighborhood's access to parks and green spaces, including Garrett Road Park. Nearby shopping and dining options provide added convenience for residents.

RTP

Average Rent

$1,549/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.2%

TransitScore® Rating

17/100

Units Available

577 Rentals

RTP is an affordable neighborhood in Durham with an average rent price of $1,549. Compare this to the city average of $1,376. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 3.2%. RTP provides easy access to Raleigh-Durham International, Piedmont Wildlife Center, and Imperial Point. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 21.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.