Columbia vs Durham-Chapel Hill
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbia is 18% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $927/mo vs $1,098/mo in Durham-Chapel Hill — saving $2,052/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbia | Durham-Chapel Hill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $644 | $730 | $86 |
| 1 Bedroom | $771 | $882 | $111 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $927 | $1,098 | $171 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,178 | $1,391 | $213 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,341 | $1,605 | $264 |
| Median Income | $53,072 | $69,791 | $16,719 |
Columbia
- Studio
- $644/mo
- 1 BR
- $771/mo
- 2 BR
- $927/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,178/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,341/mo
- Median Income
- $53,072/yr
Durham-Chapel Hill
- Studio
- $730/mo
- 1 BR
- $882/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,098/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,391/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,605/mo
- Median Income
- $69,791/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Durham-Chapel Hill cheaper to rent in?
Columbia is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $927/mo vs $1,098/mo in Durham-Chapel Hill. That's $171/mo or $2,052/year more expensive in Durham-Chapel Hill (18% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbia vs Durham-Chapel Hill?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbia is $927/month. In Durham-Chapel Hill, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,098/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbia and Durham-Chapel Hill?
The median household income in Columbia is $53,072/year. In Durham-Chapel Hill it is $69,791/year. Durham-Chapel Hill has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbia vs Durham-Chapel Hill?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbia is $644/mo. In Durham-Chapel Hill it is $730/mo.