Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Durham, NC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 39% of gross income.
Durham rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These North Carolina cities have lower median rent than Durham, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Durham
View full rent data for Durham, NC →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Durham, NC?
Median rent in Durham is $1,626 a month. A typical paramedic in North Carolina earns about $49,989 a year, which makes that rent 39% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Durham?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in North Carolina (~$49,989/yr) supports up to $1,250 a month in rent. Durham's current median rent is $1,626/mo, which is $376/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Durham?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a paramedic in North Carolina works roughly 67.7 hours a month to cover Durham's median rent of $1,626.
Where is rent cheaper than Durham for a paramedic?
Nearby North Carolina cities with lower median rent include Kernersville ($1,625/mo), Morrisville ($1,625/mo), Sylva ($1,625/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.