Cost of Living in County Durham: Rent, House Prices, Council Tax and Pay
Renting the average home and paying Band D council tax uses about 38% of the take-home pay on the median full-time salary (£869 of £2,299 a month).
| Cost | County Durham | More detail |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £140,447 | House prices |
| Median full-time salary | £33,436 | Salary |
| Take-home pay a month on the median | £2,299 | |
| Average private rent a month | £650 | Rent |
| Council tax, Band D, a month (12 payments) | £219 | Council tax |
| Mortgage on the average home a month (10% deposit) | £750 | at 5.15% over 25 years |
What the numbers add up to
- Renting the average home and paying Band D council tax uses about 38% of the take-home pay on the median full-time salary (£869 of £2,299 a month).
- A mortgage on the average home with a 10% deposit would cost £750 a month, 42% of take-home pay once council tax is added. The house price is 4.2 times the median full-time salary.
These are averages and medians for the whole area, so your own costs will differ. The comparison of rent with pay is illustrative: the rent figure covers all tenancies, and the median is for full-time employees.
Work out your own budget
Sources: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, ONS Price Index of Private Rents, ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings and the official 2026-27 council tax releases. Each page above gives the date and licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in County Durham?
In County Durham the average house price is £140,447, the average rent is £650 a month and Band D council tax is £219 a month, against a median full-time salary of £33,436.
How much of a typical salary goes on rent in County Durham?
Average rent of £650 a month is 28% of the take-home pay (£2,299 a month) on the median full-time salary.
Is it better to rent or buy in County Durham?
Rent averages £650 a month, against about £750 a month for a mortgage on the average home (before upkeep). The right choice depends on how long you will stay. Try the rent or buy calculator.
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.