Are you considering a move to North Carolina? Excellent idea! Then know the cost of living in North Carolina to prepare your monthly or yearly expenditure. North Carolina is an American State located in the country’s southeastern region. It is the 28th largest by area and the 9th largest by population among the other states of the United States. Raleigh is the capital of the state and its largest city is Charlotte. The main highlighted traits of the state include its arts and culture, beautiful state parks with massive mountains, and being a pioneer in aviation. Let’s come with us and read the cost of living in North Carolina.
What Is The Cost Of Living In North Carolina?
The cost of living in North Carolina is 91, which is lower than the average national cost of living which is 100. The table provided below indicates the average cost of living in North Carolina in comparison with the national average of the United States. If North Carolina’s cost of living is less than 100 means North Carolina is cheaper than the national average and the inverse is also true. From this table, you may get an idea about how much money do you need to live comfortably in North Carolina.
When you study the table given below you will find that the cost of health is more than the average national cost of living.
| Cost Of Living For | North Carolina | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 83.1 | 100 |
| Grocery | 96.5 | 100 |
| Transportation | 83.9 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99.2 | 100 |
| Health | 107.2 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 89.2 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $242,300 | $291,700 |
| Overall | 91 | 100 |
Home Rent
As you all know that the cost of home rent or buy has a great impact on the average cost of living in NC per month. But, here North Carolina has given relief to you by keeping home rent and cost low relatively. Which makes North Carolina one of the most affordable states to live in. We have given a table below containing the home rent of 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom houses in the different cities of the state.
| City | Approx 1 Bedroom Rent | Approx 2 Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | $1,362 | $1,558 |
| Charlotte | $1,292 | $1,444 |
| Durham | $1,181 | $1,416 |
| Greensboro | $1,112 | $1,290 |
| Winston-Salem | $880 | $1230 |
Food Cost
After housing, food cost is another major contributor in the cost of living. In North Carolina, an adult without children would need to spend around $279.25 per month on food. While a family of two adults and two children needs $821 per month for food. These values are approximately calculated, actual food prices can vary from city to city. The table shows the approximate cost of dinner for 2 persons in different cities of the state.
| City | Approx Dinner Cost For 2 |
|---|---|
| Raleigh | $60 |
| Charlotte | $47 |
| Durham | $87 |
| Greensboro | $76 |
| Winston-Salem | $42 |
Travel Cost
It is very difficult to tell you where you should use your personal vehicle or where you should use public transport to get around. It is all about your choice but it will significantly affect your budget. According to some surveys, the average cost of transportation in the state is roughly $5,113 per year. This is for a single person, it can reach up to $11,672 per year for a family of two adults with two children.
Other Expenses
The cost of living is not limited to travel costs, housing, and food but it also depends upon some other expenses also. The other expenses may include health care, fitness, internet, taxes, and utility.
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Health Care
In North Carolina buying a health policy or insurance is not easy because of higher prices. It has not only a high cost but is a headache to secure new health insurance. And it is worse for those who have just moved from another state. A single adult without a child needs $2,728 annually while a family of two adults with two children needs $7,548 annually for health care. Therefore, the highest cost of living in North Carolina is due to costly health insurance.
Utility Bills
The cost of living in North Carolina for students has a major contributor called utility costs. It is among the most challenging budget line items to adjust when planning your move to a new state, as they vary adversely based on location, provider, weather, and personal usage. The average monthly utility bill will be less than $240, which is less than the national average.
Internet Bills
In North Carolina the residents pay $94 per month for cell phone service and anywhere between $30 to $60 for internet service.
Fitness
The cost of fitness can have a significant impact on your wallet, so it is crucial to consider them in your budget. To stay fit, it is not mandatory to join a gym or fitness club, you can do it on your own if you want to save some money. The average fitness cost in the capital city of the state is $34.85 per month.
Entertainment
The state is rich in outdoor entertainment and recreation opportunities, therefore you may spend more on entertainment. But, you can also visit some free-of-cost places to save some money.
Taxes
It is possible that you might forget that taxes also have a great impact on your budget. North Carolina is one of only 11 states with a flat income tax rate. It means all residents get taxed the same percentages of their income, no matter how much or how little money they make.
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FAQ
Is North Carolina Expensive To Live In?
The cost of living in North Carolina is about 4% lower than in the average U.S. city. So North Carolina is sort of like a Goldilocks state: It isn’t too expensive or too cheap to live here.
Is Rent Expensive In North Carolina?
Rent in North Carolina is generally more affordable than the national median but it has climbed substantially recently, especially as the state has become more popular to live in. For example, the average rent for a two-bedroom home in Raleigh is $1,558 but the same two-bedroom averages out to be $1,730 in Charlotte.
What Is A Good Salary In North Carolina?
Most salaries in North Carolina range between $38,388 (25th percentile) to $69,228 (75th percentile) annually. Of course, salaries will vary depending on yor occupation, experience, and many other factors.
Is Moving To North Carolina Worth It?
Simply put, affordable! Expect low housing prices, low taxes, and low rent if moving to North Carolina. If you are moving out of a larger city area, you can also expect more houses for your money’s worth. One of the highly affordable housing markets for the big city in the country is Charlotte.
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Does It Snow A Lot In North Carolina?
Snow in North Carolina is seen on a regular basis in the mountains. North Carolina averages 5 inches (130 mm) of snow per winter season. However, this varies greatly across the state. Along the coast, most areas register less than 2 inches (51 mm) per year while the state capital, Raleigh, averages 6.0 inches (150 mm).
Where Is The Cheapest Place To Live In North Carolina?
According to our data, Laurinburg is also the cheapest place to buy a house in North Carolina. As of January 2023, the median home price is $215,335, but you can easily find a two-bedroom single family home for less than $150,000.F
What Is North Carolina Most Known For?
What Is North Carolina Known For? North Carolina is known for its arts and culture, being a pioneer in aviation, and beautiful state parks with massive mountains. This southern state features friendly people, delicious food, and charming nature.
Conclusion
In this article you have learned what is the average cost of living in North Carolina in detail. You all may know that moving to a new state is never easy, there is so much need to do some research. But, North Carolina has to offer that you will be handsomely rewarded for your planning efforts. Because the state is not very expensive to live in, it all depends upon your lifestyle. If you are used to living a lavish lifestyle then you need more money to live here. So, this was all about the cost of living in North Carolina.