Cost of Living in North Carolina Cities: These Are the Top 5

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As a state in the Southeastern area is the 28th largest and 9th-most populous state of whole America.

North Carolina has a nickname – the Tar Heel State.

While nobody is entirely sure why North Carolina has a nickname like this, it’s thought that it’s because North Carolina was sufficiently known for producing lots of tar, pitch, and turpentine.

One of the most impressive points about North Carolina is that it is the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola.

Moreover, did you know that The Wright brothers completed their first flight in Kitty Hawk?

Definitely, this Southern state is with so much pleasure and is one of the coolest states in America.

With beaches and mountains for the outdoor experience, room to explore for city residents, plus some of the best tasting BBQ delights in the country – this state is exceptional.

In this guide, we will break down the cost of living in this state in reality, which will help you build a precise budget.

Also, you can read more about the top five most costly cities in North Carolina.

The Cost of Living in This State

The good news is that the cost of living in North Carolina is relatively low, making it an inexpensive place to live.

It’s nowhere near the cost of some of the more notoriously expensive cities ( for example, San Francisco), but it’s also not the least pricey place to live either.

Living in North Carolina is less expensive than is on average across the U.S.

Compared with all other states, North Carolina has the 19th lowest overall cost of living.

Generally, living in more urban metro areas is more expensive than living in rural areas.

Since North Carolina is home to 15 metropolitan areas, we can note that the most expensive is the Raleigh metro area.

Here, the cost of goods and services is 4.9% higher than the statewide average.

The cost of living in North Carolina is $1706.

That is almost 1.04 times less expensive than the average in the United States.

Housing Costs

In North Carolina, the typical home is worth $175,900, and the typical renter in North Carolina spends $895 a month on housing.

The monthly rent for a one-bedroom in the state is $780, while the typical rent for a unit with five or more bedrooms is $1,450.

These prices are lower compared to the national costs for other states.

Transportation Costs

Accordingly, the average North Carolina resident spends $5,250 on transportation costs annually.

That number increases to $12,650 for a family of four.

A one-way ticket for local transport is around $2, and a monthly pass is not much than $45.

Transportation expenses could actually go as far as housing costs.

Food Costs

The average North Carolina resident spends $3,250 per year or roughly $270 per month.

For a family of four, annual food costs increase to $9,500 or about &790 per month.

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.

Utility Costs

Utility costs are among the most problematic budget line items to adapt when preparing to move to a new state, as they vary dramatically based on location, weather, provider, and personal usage.

Fortunately, most North Carolina residents’ basic utility costs are less than the $240 national average.

Here’s what you can predict to spend for essential utilities in different North Carolina cities.

In Releigh is around $150, Greensboro – $165 and Charlotte – $140.

As these utilities only include the cost of gas, electricity, and water, remember to include the cost of “common utilities” like cell phone and internet service.

The average American pays $96 per month for cell phone service and anywhere between $40-$70 for internet service.

The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State

Raleigh

Raleigh, as the capital city, also has high prices for living.

As a matter of fact, the average cost of living in Raleigh is $1655.

As much as we said that transport costs in this state are cheap, in Raleigh are like that.

Just for an example, a one-way ticket for local transport is $2.45, while a monthly transport pass is above $50.

Having dinner in a restaurant for two people could cost you around $48, and a lunch menu for one person is $18.

Charlotte

Charlotte is the city with the highest public transportation costs in North Carolina.

A typical resident from this city would spend just $1,100 annually on unlimited transport passes, representing a savings of $4,100 annually.

The average cost of living in Charlotte is $1930, which is in the top 7% of the most expensive cities in the world.

Greensboro

Despite its high cost, there are plenty of things why this Southeastern spot is a great place to call home.

There are dozens and dozens of local gardens and lots of greenery in the city for walking or biking.

Also, Greensboro has a vibrant and thriving arts society, a wide variety of jobs, and most importantly, everyone is family-friendly.

As for the cost of living, Greensboro is $1470, which makes top 36% of the most expensive cities in the world.

Only for rent, a one-bedroom apartment can cost you around $790, which is expensive for North Carolina.

Continuously, healthcare services are also being so overpriced.

For example, just for one doctor’s visit, you can pay $105.

Similarly, this city is the best hotspot full of delicious restaurants, including nightlife with a little bit of everything.

Hence, the menu for lunch for one person is much costly than in Raleigh – $19, and dinner in a restaurant for two people can cost you more than $55.

Durham

Living in Durham follows the fact that this city is in the top 28% of the most expensive cities in the world.

Generally, the average cost of living in Durham is $1705.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment Downtown, 40 m2, would cost you $1170.

Durham becomes on top with the most increased health care costs in North Carolina, or almost 15% higher than the average city in the nation.

Notable, a one doctor’s visit in Durham will cost you $122, and an appointment for a dentist is around $104.

As for cinema, a one cinema ticket for you can cost you around $16, while a gym membership per month is more than $45.

Fayetteville

There are a variety of things to do in this city.

From shopping malls to theatres and parks.

By all means, whether you are interested in sculpture, glassworks, painting, the performing arts, or simply some artistic artisanal chocolate, you can find it in Fayetteville.

The average cost of living in Fayetteville is $1645.

That makes this city in the top 24% of the most expensive cities in the world.

Only for a one-way ticket pass for local transport is roughly $3.45.

Not to mention the high-priced expenses for health care, rent, and utilities.

For instance, a one doctor’s visit is around $107.

North Carolina Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: North Carolina Safety Review

Safety Index:

64

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW