Columbus vs Durham-Chapel Hill
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbus is 50% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $733/mo vs $1,098/mo in Durham-Chapel Hill — saving $4,380/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbus | Durham-Chapel Hill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $493 | $730 | $237 |
| 1 Bedroom | $600 | $882 | $282 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $733 | $1,098 | $365 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $932 | $1,391 | $459 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,032 | $1,605 | $573 |
| Median Income | $37,268 | $69,791 | $32,523 |
Columbus
- Studio
- $493/mo
- 1 BR
- $600/mo
- 2 BR
- $733/mo
- 3 BR
- $932/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,032/mo
- Median Income
- $37,268/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 Columbus or Durham-Chapel Hill cheaper to rent in?
Columbus is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $733/mo vs $1,098/mo in Durham-Chapel Hill. That's $365/mo or $4,380/year more expensive in Durham-Chapel Hill (50% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbus vs Durham-Chapel Hill?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbus is $733/month. In Durham-Chapel Hill, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,098/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbus and Durham-Chapel Hill?
The median household income in Columbus is $37,268/year. In Durham-Chapel Hill it is $69,791/year. Durham-Chapel Hill has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbus vs Durham-Chapel Hill?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbus is $493/mo. In Durham-Chapel Hill it is $730/mo.