Skip to content
FiyatList Cost data

Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in North Carolina: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

5.7% below

Cost of living in North Carolina is 5.7% below the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for North Carolina (index 94.3; U.S. = 100). Median rent in North Carolina is $1,338 a month.

Cost of living in North Carolina by category

Overall prices

94.3U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

−5.7% vs. U.S.

Goods
96.6 −3.4%
Housing (rents)
81.4 −18.6%
Utilities
88.6 −11.4%
Other services
98.2 −1.8%

BEA 2024 · North Carolina Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,338/mo

Median gross rent

−10% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,274 About the same as U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,277 −14% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,422 −15% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$333,000 −8% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$1,747 −14% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$152/mo

Average electric bill

About the same as U.S.

Electricity price
15.2¢/kWh −17% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$25.19/Mcf +30% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
88.6

EIA July 2026 · North Carolina Details: Utilities

Transportation

25.7min

Mean travel time to work

−6% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
71.6%
Work from home
15.4%
Gasoline (PADD 1C avg.)
$4.07/gal −7% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$181/wk

Center care, infant

+4% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$142/wk −8% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$123/wk −14% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$151/wk +6% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · North Carolina county median Details: Child care

Income

$73,958/yr

Median household income

−9% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
22%
Home value to income
4.5×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in North Carolina

Median gross rent in North Carolina is $1,338 a month, 10% below the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,250–$1,499 range, which holds 14.9% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 40.3% pay $1,500 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $333,000, and 4.6% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: North Carolina vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent North Carolina: $1,338; U.S.: $1,487 North Carolina $1,338 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs North Carolina: $1,747; U.S.: $2,035 North Carolina $1,747 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value North Carolina: $333,000; U.S.: $360,600 North Carolina $333,000 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureNorth CarolinaU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,338$1,487
Monthly owner costs$1,747$2,035
Median home value$333,000$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in North Carolina

What renters pay in North Carolina Share of renter households paying cash rent in North Carolina by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 6%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 1.3%. Median $1,338. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 6% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 9.2% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 14.7% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 14.8% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 14.9% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 24.6% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 10.5% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 3% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 0.9% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 1.3% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,338 (North Carolina) 24.6%
Show the data table
RangeNorth CarolinaU.S.
Less than $5006%6.1%
$500–$7499.2%6.8%
$750–$99914.7%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24914.8%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49914.9%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99924.6%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49910.5%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9993%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4990.9%3.2%
$3,500 or more1.3%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in North Carolina

Home values in North Carolina Share of owner-occupied homes in North Carolina by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 10.7%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 1.8%. Median $333,000. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $100,000: 10.7% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 5.9% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 8% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 9.4% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 9.7% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 18.9% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 12.5% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 14.7% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 5.5% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 2.8% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 1.8% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $333,000 (North Carolina) 18.9%
Show the data table
RangeNorth CarolinaU.S.
Less than $100,00010.7%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9995.9%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9998%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9999.4%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9999.7%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99918.9%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99912.5%12%
$500,000–$749,99914.7%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9995.5%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9992.8%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more1.8%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in North Carolina

Measure North Carolina U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,338$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,274$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,277$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,422$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $1,747$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is North Carolina?

At the median, rent takes about 22% of household income in North Carolina. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $53,500 a year.

The median home is worth $333,000, or 4.5 times the median household income.

Household income in North Carolina

The median household in North Carolina earns $73,958 a year, 9% below the U.S. median of $81,604. About 11.1% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 15.4% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: North Carolina vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) North Carolina: $73,958; U.S.: $81,604 North Carolina $73,958 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureNorth CarolinaU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$73,958$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in North Carolina

Household income distribution in North Carolina Share of households in North Carolina by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 5.2%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 11.1%. Median $73,958. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 5.2% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 3.1% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 3.6% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 3.6% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 4% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 3.6% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 7.3% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 9.8% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 12.9% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 10.1% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 6.9% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 8.4% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 11.1% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $73,958 (North Carolina) 12.9%
Show the data table
RangeNorth CarolinaU.S.
Less than $10,0005.2%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9993.5%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9993.1%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9993.6%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9993.5%3%
$30,000–$34,9993.6%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9993.5%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9994%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9993.6%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9997.3%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9999.8%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99912.9%12.6%
$100,000–$124,99910.1%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9996.9%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9998.4%9.7%
$200,000 or more11.1%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure North Carolina U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $73,958$81,604
Median home value $333,000$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, North Carolina scored 94.3 for all items. The highest category is other services at 98.2; the lowest is housing rents at 81.4.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items North Carolina: 94.3; U.S.: 100.0 North Carolina 94.3 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods North Carolina: 96.6; U.S.: 99.6 North Carolina 96.6 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) North Carolina: 81.4; U.S.: 100.6 North Carolina 81.4 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities North Carolina: 88.6; U.S.: 98.4 North Carolina 88.6 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services North Carolina: 98.2; U.S.: 100.1 North Carolina 98.2 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureNorth CarolinaU.S.
All items94.3100.0
Goods96.699.6
Housing (rents)81.4100.6
Utilities88.698.4
Other services98.2100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in North Carolina paid an average of 15.2¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $152 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $25.19 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: North Carolina vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) North Carolina: 15.2¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ North Carolina 15.2¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) North Carolina: $152; U.S.: $157 North Carolina $152 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) North Carolina: $25.19; U.S.: $19.40 North Carolina $25.19 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureNorth CarolinaU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)15.2¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$152$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$25.19$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in North Carolina who commute spend an average of 25.7 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (71.6% of workers); 15.4% work from home. Gasoline in the Lower Atlantic region (PADD 1C), which includes North Carolina, averaged $4.07 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate North Carolina price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work North Carolina: Drove alone 71.6%, Carpooled 9.1%, Public transit 0.8%, Walked 1.6%, Bicycle 0.2%, Worked from home 15.4%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.3%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in North Carolina: Drove alone. North Carolina North Carolina · Drove alone: 71.6% 71.6% North Carolina · Carpooled: 9.1% North Carolina · Public transit: 0.8% North Carolina · Walked: 1.6% North Carolina · Bicycle: 0.2% North Carolina · Worked from home: 15.4% 15.4% North Carolina · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.3% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationNorth CarolinaU.S.
Drove alone71.6%69.2%
Carpooled9.1%9.2%
Public transit0.8%3.7%
Walked1.6%2.4%
Bicycle0.2%0.5%
Worked from home15.4%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1.3%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in North Carolina

Travel time to work in North Carolina Share of workers who do not work from home in North Carolina by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 2.8%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 2.2%. Mean 25.7 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 2.8% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 8.7% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 13.8% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 16.4% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 14.8% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 7.8% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 13.2% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 4% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 4% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 7.7% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 4.7% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 2.2% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 25.7 min (North Carolina) 16.4%
Show the data table
RangeNorth CarolinaU.S.
Less than 5 min2.8%2.8%
5–9 min8.7%9.4%
10–14 min13.8%13.1%
15–19 min16.4%15%
20–24 min14.8%14.1%
25–29 min7.8%7%
30–34 min13.2%13.7%
35–39 min4%3.4%
40–44 min4%4.1%
45–59 min7.7%8.3%
60–89 min4.7%6.3%
90 min or more2.2%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in North Carolina

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $181 a week in the median North Carolina county, or $9,403 over 52 weeks. That is 4% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care North Carolina (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $181$174
Center-based care, toddler $142$153
Center-based care, preschool $123$144
Center-based care, school-age $73$120
Home-based family care, infant $151$143
Home-based family care, toddler $135$132
Home-based family care, preschool $125$131
Home-based family care, school-age $86$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than North Carolina prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in North Carolina?

Median rent is $1,274 for a one-bedroom and $1,277 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in North Carolina?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 29.9% pay less than $1,000 a month, 54.3% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 15.7% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in North Carolina?

To keep the median rent of $1,338 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $53,500 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is North Carolina more expensive than the U.S. average?

No. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in North Carolina at 94.3 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 5.7% below average. Housing rents score 81.4.

How long is the average commute in North Carolina?

25.7 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in North Carolina?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $181 a week in the median North Carolina county in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.