Cost of Living in North Carolina [2025]
What's not to love about North Carolina? It's a Southern state with charm to match. With beaches and mountains for outdoor adventure, room to explore for city dwellers, and some of the best savory BBQ delights in the country, this state is one-of-a-kind.
If you're looking to put down roots in the Tar Heel State, it's essential to make sure you're prepared by adjusting your budget. You want to make sure you can afford to live comfortably in your prospective new home.
In this guide, we will break down the cost of living in North Carolina to help you build an accurate budget. Let's dive in!
North Carolina Cost of Living
How Much is the Cost of Living in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the cost of living is 4.79% lower than the national average. That makes North Carolina the 24th cheapest state in the nation.
Best places offers a cost of living in North Carolina that is broken down by category as follows:
| Cost of Living | North Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 91 | 100 |
| Grocery | 96.5 | 100 |
| Health | 107.2 | 100 |
| Housing | 83.1 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $289,300 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 99.2 | 100 |
| Transportation | 83.9 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 89.2 | 100 |
Remember, these figures are the average across the state. North Carolina is currently the 28th largest state in the country and the 9th most populous.
Where is Cost of Living Lowest in North Carolina?
The cheapest major city in North Carolina is Eden, with a cost of living being 14.3% lower compared to the state average and 22% lower than the national average. Every cost of living category is lower in Eden compared to the North Carolina average, except for utilities.
| Cost of Living | Eden | North Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 78 | 91 | 100 |
| Grocery | 89.7 | 96.5 | 100 |
| Health | 95 | 107.2 | 100 |
| Housing | 35.2 | 83.1 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $100,700 | $289,300 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 96 | 99.2 | 100 |
| Transportation | 77.1 | 83.9 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 81.1 | 89.2 | 100 |
Where is Cost of Living Highest in North Carolina?
The most expensive city in North Carolina is Chapel Hill, where the cost of living is 18.5% higher compared to the state average and 7.8% higher than in the rest of the U.S. However, the average transportation costs are lower in Chapel Hill than the rest of the state and country.
Although the cost of living is high in Chapel Hill, the trade-off of living in a college town and part of the Research Triangle. The area has a strong job market, amenities, and plenty to do from pubs to shopping.
| Cost of Living | Chapel Hill | North Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 107.8 | 91 | 100 |
| Grocery | 103.9 | 96.5 | 100 |
| Health | 102.5 | 107.2 | 100 |
| Housing | 157.2 | 83.1 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $550,100 | $289,300 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 101 | 99.2 | 100 |
| Transportation | 82.6 | 83.9 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 113.3 | 89.2 | 100 |
How Much Is Rent in North Carolina?
To help you get an idea of housing costs, here are the average rent prices for apartments in North Carolina's major cities, including Greensboro, Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte.
| City | Average 1-Bedroom Rent | Average 2-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro, NC | $1,001 | $1,115 |
| Durham, NC | $1,173 | $1,365 |
| Charlotte, NC | $1,282 | $1,398 |
| Raleigh, NC | $1,219 | $1,389 |
The good news is that the cost of living in North Carolina is relatively average, making it an affordable place to live. It's nowhere near the cost of some of the more notoriously expensive cities (looking at you, San Francisco), but it's also not the least costly place to live either.
Currently, median rent prices are declining across the state, except for Greensboro with a modest 1.4% year-over-year increase. As prices find stability, you can save even more on rent by staying away from the newer luxury high-rises to avoid higher rent prices, look for rents with partial utilities included, or consider renting with a roommate to cut your expenses in half.
How Much Is a One-Bedroom Apartment in North Carolina?
As of November 2024, the median apartment for a one bedroom apartment in Greensboro costs $1,001. In Durham, the median rent is $1,173. In Charlotte, you'll spend $1,282 on median rent. In Raleigh, a one bedroom apartment will run $1,219.
How Much Is a Two-Bedroom Apartment in North Carolina?
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in North Carolina as of November, 2024 will depend on where you rent. In Greensboro, you'll spend a median rent of $1,115 for a two-bedroom apartment. In Durham, you'll spend a median of $1,365. In Charlotte, you'll spend $1,398. In Raleigh, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,389.
What Salary Do I Need to Live Comfortably in North Carolina?
The recommended rule of budgeting is to spend no more than 30% of your income on rent. Using Raleigh, North Carolina, as an example, the average resident would need to earn at least $48,760 a year to live comfortably, $4,063.33 a month, or $23.45 an hour. You can also look at the U.S. Census Bureau data to see that the median income in North Carolina is $66,186 a year, $5,515.50 a month, or $31.82 an hour. For comparison, the median household income in the United States is $75,149 a year, $6,262.42 a month, or $39.06 an hour.
So far, that's all good news for renters in North Carolina. It's also wise to consider the recommended basic living wage in North Carolina. According to MIT's living wage data, the living wage in North Carolina is $21.56 per hour, or roughly $44,845 per year. This is the minimum recommended amount to pay for necessities, including housing, food, and transportation. However, it doesn't consider student debt repayments, travel, savings, or splurges.
It's important to decide on what living comfortably means to you. Is it earning enough to pay for your immediate living expenses, having some money for fun, and keeping a savings fund that you can contribute to regularly? Our data shows that the average Raleigh resident spends $4,447 a month, so you may need to earn slightly more than a comfortable wage in order to keep up with your neighbors.
How Much Does a House Cost in North Carolina?
If you're considering buying a home in North Carolina one day, you'll find the median home prices are on the rise. The good news is they're still relatively affordable compared to the national median prices.
| City | Median Home Price |
|---|---|
| Greensboro, NC | $229,900 |
| Durham, NC | $388,000 |
| Charlotte, NC | $381,800 |
| Raleigh, NC | $427,000 |
How Much Is Transportation in North Carolina?
According to MIT's Living Wage Calculator, the average North Carolina resident spends $9,968 on transportation costs annually. That number increases to $16,720 for a family of four. Transportation expenses can even go as far as rivaling housing costs, which is why many people gravitate toward city living as a means to offset the high cost of personal vehicle ownership.
It's crucial to decide whether you will use a personal vehicle or rely on public transportation to get around, as your choice can significantly impact your budget. Even in Charlotte, the city with the highest public transportation costs in North Carolina, a resident relying solely on public transportation options would spend just $1,452 annually on unlimited transport passes, representing a savings of $4,057 annually!
If you're working remotely from home, you may be able to save money on your commute to work. Luckily, both Asheville and Raleigh were ranked in the top 10 in our best cities for remote workers.
How Much Are Grocery Prices in North Carolina?
The average North Carolina resident can expect to spend $4,252 yearly or about $354.33 monthly on food. For a family of four, annual food expenses increase to $16,720 or about $1,393.33 monthly.
However, these costs reflect a situation in which all meals and snacks are prepared at home.
As avoiding the allure of North Carolina’s delectable seafood and BBQ options might prove difficult, we expect that you will dine out on occasion.
According to Numbeo, here's a breakdown of the costs you can expect to pay for a three-course meal for two at a mid-tier restaurant in North Carolina.
- Raleigh: $90
- Greensboro: $70
- Durham: $60
- Charlotte: $90
Luckily, saving on your grocery bill is as simple as knowing where to shop. Head over to Costco for savings on bulk purchases.
There are also several ALDI locations across the state. This discount grocery chain is the gold standard, so don't be afraid to take a drive to reach one.
Finally, a membership to Raleigh's Wegmans paired with some coupon clipping can provide you with some real savings.
How Much Is Healthcare in North Carolina?
Healthcare is a necessary expense — an expense that amounts to $3,140 annually for the average North Carolina resident and $10,128 for families of four.
If you are in the market for healthcare coverage (most policies don't transfer across state lines), head over to Healthcare.gov to find an affordable plan on the federal marketplace. You can compare policies to determine which is the best option for you.
Finally, if you require low-to-no-cost healthcare, the North Carolina Division of Public Health has many resources to help you find the best care.
How Much are Utilities in North Carolina on Average?
The average cost for electricity, water, and gas/fuel in North Carolina is $230.21. This means most North Carolina residents' basic utility costs are less than the $253.14 national average. Here's what you can expect to pay for basic utilities in different North Carolina cities.
| Location | Avg Electric | Avg Gas | Avg Water | Avg Fuel | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 150.32 | 81.78 | 51.52 | 26.54 | 310.16 |
| Charlotte, NC | 125.24 | 79.27 | 56.94 | 20.41 | 281.85 |
| Greensboro, NC | 135.01 | 40.4 | 78.84 | 3.43 | 257.69 |
| Raleigh, NC | 121.13 | 39.08 | 68.35 | 2.85 | 231.4 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 143.86 | 30.85 | 25.21 | 7.64 | 207.56 |
| North Carolina | 157.73 | 35.82 | 33.82 | 2.829 | 230.20 |
| U.S. | 150.93 | 51.12 | 45.52 | 5.57 | 253.14 |
As basic utilities only include the cost of gas, electricity, and water, remember to include the cost of "common utilities" like cell phone and internet service.
Fitness and Entertainment in North Carolina
With all the fitness and entertainment opportunities in North Carolina, there’s no way that you won’t find something to enjoy. Of course, fitness and entertainment costs can have a significant impact on your wallet, so it’s crucial to consider them in your budget. Here’s an in-depth look at the cost of fitness and entertainment in North Carolina.
North Carolina Gym Memberships
Staying fit is only as expensive as you make it. If you prefer the least expensive option, try bodyweight fitness techniques, or simply lace up your sneakers and head out for a run. If you prefer an indoor fitness environment, are looking for a community of friends, and want a variety of exercise options, a gym membership will be your best bet. Here are the average monthly gym membership costs throughout different North Carolina cities:
- Raleigh: $41.71
- Greensboro: $45
- Charlotte: $54.89
- Durham: $55
Outdoor Adventures in North Carolina
North Carolina is rich in outdoor entertainment and recreation opportunities. The landscape includes the Appalachian mountains, beaches, and massive state parks — all of which are free to visit.
This North Carolina State Park Directory can help you choose a state park to visit during your downtime. If you’re having a hard time deciding, the William B. Umstead State Park is an excellent option. The park features 13 miles of horseback riding trails, picnic areas, campsites, canoeing, fishing, and hiking trails. There’s something for everyone!
If you prefer the sound of crashing waves and the smell of saltwater, head to one of North Carolina’s beaches. The Outer Banks are among the most famous of North Carolina’s beaches; however, if you want to beat the crowd, head to Carolina Beach for a relaxing day of sand and sun.
North Carolina Sports
North Carolina has several professional sports teams across the state, including a professional hockey team in Raleigh and professional hockey and basketball teams in Charlotte. If you’re a sports fanatic, it’s important to consider the costs of attending games. Here are the average ticket costs for North Carolina’s major sports teams:
- Carolina Panthers: $107
- Carolina Hurricanes: $85
- Charlotte Hornets: $74
Though there aren’t any professional baseball teams in North Carolina, there are many semi-professional teams to follow.
If you’re looking for inexpensive sports entertainment year-round, check out The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). Their Division 1 athletics department churns out professional athletes year after year. You might just catch a star player in their formative years, as many residents watched a young Michael Jordan blossom into stardom at UNC.
Additional North Carolina Expenses
To create the most accurate budget possible, it's vital to keep other miscellaneous expenses in mind. These are the expenses that typically go unchecked when planning a move. Luckily, we've got you covered. Here are the hidden costs to consider when moving to North Carolina.
- State Income and Sales Tax: North Carolina residents are responsible for paying a flat 5.25% income tax. Additionally, the state sales tax rate sits at 4.75%.
- Local-level Taxes: Local city and county level taxes will apply wherever you are moving. Be sure to research the local tax rates before making your move.
- Childcare: The cost of childcare is high across the country, and North Carolina is not exempt. For full-time, single-child daycare, expect to pay around $14,088 annually.
Looking for an Apartment in North Carolina?
Moving to a new state is never easy. However, there’s so much that North Carolina has to offer that you’ll be handsomely rewarded for your planning efforts.
If you’ve got an updated budget for your move to North Carolina, it’s time to start apartment hunting! Check out our quiz to get started on finding your dream apartment in North Carolina.
Learn about the best cities and cheapest cities to live in North Carolina.
FAQs: What to Know About the Cost of Living in North Carolina in 2025
What is a good salary in North Carolina?
The recommended rule of budgeting is to allocate no more than 30% of your income to rent. In Raleigh, North Carolina, for instance, the average resident would need to earn at least $48,760 annually, which breaks down to $4,063.33 per month or $23.45 per hour, to live comfortably. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the median income in North Carolina is $66,186 annually, equivalent to $5,515.50 per month or $31.82 per hour, while the national median income stands higher at $75,149 per year.
How expensive is an apartment in North Carolina?
Apartments in North Carolina vary in cost depending on the city, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from $1,001 in Greensboro to $1,282 in Charlotte as of November 2024. For two-bedroom apartments, rents span from $1,115 in Greensboro to $1,398 in Charlotte, with Raleigh and Durham falling in between. Overall, while prices are generally more affordable than the national average, they can still be a significant expense depending on the location and apartment size.
What is the cheapest rent in North Carolina?
The cheapest rent in North Carolina, based on the data provided, is for a one-bedroom apartment in Greensboro, where the median rent is $1,001 as of November 2024. This is the lowest among the cities listed, making Greensboro one of the more affordable options for renters seeking a one-bedroom apartment.
How expensive is it to live in North Carolina?
Living in North Carolina is relatively inexpensive. In the more expensive area of Charlotte, North Carolina, rent averages $1,282 for a one-bedroom apartment. Transportation costs are $9,968 a year per person or $16,720 for a family of four. Food costs $4,252 on average for a single resident or $16,720 for a family of four.
What is the population of North Carolina?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, The population of North Carolina is 10,835,491. It is the ninth-most populated state in the country.
Is South Carolina cheaper than North Carolina?
South Carolina is generally more expensive than North Carolina. The median rent for a tone-bedroom apartment in Charleston, South Carolina, sits at $1,441, while the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Greensboro, North Carolina, sits at $1,001.
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