Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physician assistant in Durham earns roughly $123,310/yr (~$6,741/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,350/mo — that's 20% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
NC · 2026
Can a Physician Assistant Afford to Live in Durham?
Using local salary estimates and Durham's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physician assistant in Durham, NC in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$123,310/yr local estimate
$10,276
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.75% state income tax
-$3,535
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$6,741
1BR rent
20% of take-home
-$1,350
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$135
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$320
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$4,586
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physician assistant in Durham could save roughly $22,008/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 20% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 20% of take-home pay, a physician assistant in Durham is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $123,310/yr — adjusted from the national Physician Assistant median of $126,010/yr based on Durham's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Durham for a Physician Assistant
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Downtown Durham
Walkable, gentrifying, hip. Ninth Street has breweries, galleries, and restaurants. Walkable to pharma parks; rents $1,400-1,800/month. Younger, college-educated demographic.
Watts Warehouse District
Converted mill lofts and new construction near downtown. Slightly quieter than Old Durham; apartments from $1,350-1,600/month. Mix of young professionals and families.
East Durham
Affordable and diverse. Working-class roots; gentrification is slower here. Homes $300-400K; rents $1,100-1,400/month. 10 minutes to downtown by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Durham?
A Physician Assistant in Durham earns approximately $123,310 per year, based on the national BLS median of $126,010/yr adjusted for Durham's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Durham affordable for a physician assistant in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 20% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physician assistant can live comfortably in Durham with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physician Assistant get in Durham?
After federal taxes, 4.75% state income tax, and FICA, a Physician Assistant earning $123,310/yr takes home roughly $6,741/month in Durham.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physician Assistant in Durham?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Durham costs a median of $1,350/month. On a Physician Assistant salary, that's 20% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.