Cost Of Living in North Carolina 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in North Carolina

Whether you're living in North Carolina or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

6,200 USD

per month

480 USD
62,000 USD

Single

4,300 USD

per month

1,400 USD
29,000 USD

Couple

7,200 USD

per month

2,400 USD
38,000 USD

Family

9,600 USD

per month

3,300 USD
53,000 USD

Student

3,100 USD

per month

1,200 USD
5,500 USD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in North Carolina is 4,300 USD. Expenses can range from 1,400 USD at the minimum level to 29,000 USD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in North Carolina is 7,200 USD. Expenditure can range from 2,400 USD to 38,000 USD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in North Carolina is 9,600 USD per month. Families spend anywhere from 3,300 USD to 53,000 USD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in North Carolina is 3,100 USD. Students spend from 1,200 USD to 5,500 USD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in North Carolina


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.74 USD 0.84 USD 0.97 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fast food combo meal
6.3 USD 13 USD 21 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Restaurant meal for one
22 USD 33 USD 65 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fine dining meal for one
44 USD 65 USD 260 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Soda or Soft Drink
0.90 USD 1 USD 1.3 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Cappuccino or latte
5.2 USD 8.4 USD 13 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
4.2 USD 5 USD 6.3 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Loaf of bread
0.76 USD 0.86 USD 1.00 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
12 eggs
3.1 USD 4.2 USD 6.3 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fresh whole chicken
7.1 USD 9.2 USD 13 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
8.4 USD 13 USD 25 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
3.4 USD 4.6 USD 6.5 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1.3 USD 1.7 USD 3.1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
2.2 USD 2.9 USD 4.8 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
5.5 USD 6.5 USD 13 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Average car full tank
31 USD 42 USD 84 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Average car 1-day rental
34 USD 45 USD 68 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Average car price
16,000 USD 31,000 USD 42,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Bus ticket one way
1.1 USD 1.7 USD 3.4 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Car Service
45 USD 68 USD 140 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
86 USD 260 USD 1,700 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Utility Bill - Couple
120 USD 360 USD 1,900 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Utility Bill - Family
100 USD 290 USD 1,600 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Internet and cable
31 USD 63 USD 84 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Mobile phone charges
25 USD 42 USD 130 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
16 USD 21 USD 31 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
One month gym membership
54 USD 68 USD 140 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
40 USD 57 USD 85 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Woman dress
38 USD 52 USD 170 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Woman shoes
36 USD 49 USD 110 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Men's shoes
31 USD 38 USD 76 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Men suit
34 USD 43 USD 230 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Regular t-shirt
17 USD 23 USD 68 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
570 USD 850 USD 2,300 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
850 USD 1,400 USD 3,400 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
1,100 USD 1,700 USD 4,500 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
110,000 USD 170,000 USD 340,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
140,000 USD 230,000 USD 850,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
230,000 USD 680,000 USD 1.4M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
630 USD 780 USD 1,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Double Bed
420 USD 630 USD 780 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Single Bed
370 USD 480 USD 630 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Living Room
700 USD 900 USD 3,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Dining Table
310 USD 420 USD 780 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Sofa or Couch
420 USD 570 USD 1,300 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
420 USD 630 USD 1,300 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fridge or Freezer
370 USD 570 USD 780 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Washing Machine
480 USD 700 USD 1,300 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Stove or Cooker
450 USD 570 USD 780 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Mobile Phone
520 USD 630 USD 900 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Laptop or Computer
570 USD 700 USD 1,300 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Expenditure to Income Ratio in North Carolina

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

91%

81% to 100%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%7%
50% - 60%12%
60% - 70%19%
70% - 80%27%
80% - 90%14%
90% - 100%8%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%1%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in North Carolina is 91% This means that on average, people spend around 91% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 19% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
92%

Couple
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
97%

Family
95%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
110%

How do people spend their money in North Carolina?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure28%

28% of total expenses on average (17% to 36%)

LOW140 USD
AVERAGE1,900 USD
HIGH19,000 USD
Per Month

People living in North Carolina typically spend from 17% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,900 USD with expenditure ranging from 140 USD to 19,000 USD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW24 USD
AVERAGE310 USD
HIGH3,100 USD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in North Carolina ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 310 USD with 24 USD and 3,100 USD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW48 USD
AVERAGE620 USD
HIGH6,200 USD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 48 USD to 6,200 USD on commuting with 620 USD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.

Food and Groceries Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)

LOW120 USD
AVERAGE1,600 USD
HIGH16,000 USD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in North Carolina is 1,600 USD. The cost of groceries can range between 120 USD to 16,000 USD. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services8%

8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW33 USD
AVERAGE430 USD
HIGH4,300 USD
Per Month

People in North Carolina allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 33 USD to 4,300 USD with 430 USD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW19 USD
AVERAGE250 USD
HIGH2,500 USD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 19 USD to 2,500 USD with 250 USD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW29 USD
AVERAGE370 USD
HIGH3,700 USD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 370 USD per month with 29 USD being the minimum spent amount and 3,700 USD being the maximum.

Other Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW62 USD
AVERAGE810 USD
HIGH8,100 USD
Per Month

How much money can you save in North Carolina every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in North Carolina manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
81%
Not Saving
19%

Almost 81% of the surveyed people in North Carolina said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 19% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in North Carolina

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles85%15%
Couples80%20%
Families74%26%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

16% 27% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

200 USD 2,600 USD 26,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 16% to 39% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 27% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,600 USD on average with savings ranging from 200 USD to 26,000 USD.

85% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 80% of couples said the same. 74% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in North Carolina?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

19% 32% of income 41%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

610 USD 1,800 USD 12,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%27%
10% - 20%22%
20% - 30%15%
30% - 40%18%
40% - 50%13%
> 50%5%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 19% to 41% of their monthly income to savings, with 32% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,800 USD with 610 USD and 12,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

17% 30% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,000 USD 3,000 USD 16,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%18%
30% - 40%13%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 17% to 40% of their monthly income, with 30% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,000 USD with 1,000 USD and 16,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 25% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,400 USD 4,100 USD 22,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in North Carolina can save anywhere between 15% to 36% of their monthly income, with 25% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,100 USD with 1,400 USD and 22,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in North Carolina

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in North Carolina?


Yes
93%
No
6.9%

Around 93% of surveyed residents think that living in North Carolina is affordable with proper budgeting while 6.9% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in North Carolina

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options72%

Few low-cost options29%


Based on the survey, 72% of the people living in North Carolina have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 29% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of North Carolina whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes91%

No9.2%


Based on the survey, 9.2% of the people living in North Carolina said that they don't have an emergency fund while 91% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in United States

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy77%


We asked residents of United States whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 23% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 77% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of United States have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 19% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 81% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance19%

Easily manages finances81%

Financial goals of people in North Carolina

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in North Carolina, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction29%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing10%
Travel or Lifestyle12%
Healthcare Expenses7%
Financial Independence10%

Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 29% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 10% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 12% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 7% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in North Carolina

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in North Carolina. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans20%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending8%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later15%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure4%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 20% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 8% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 15% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 4% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in North Carolina

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold9%
Savings Accounts18%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings14%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks7%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit4%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in North Carolina

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in North Carolina and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in United States is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in North Carolina:
AgeAmount
2518,000 USD
3035,000 USD
3562,000 USD
4089,000 USD
45130,000 USD
50190,000 USD
55220,000 USD
60270,000 USD
65330,000 USD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of North Carolina about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions14%
Savings21%
Investments14%
Social Security9%
Annuities9%
Part-time Job8%
Real Estate16%
Dividends and Interest9%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in North Carolina

1,000 USD 3,100 USD 20,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in North Carolina


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
27%
Debt Free
73%

According to the survey, 27% of the people in North Carolina have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 73% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in North Carolina

Debt to income ratio

28%

17% to 40%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of the people's monthly income in North Carolina goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%2%
50% - 60%9%
40% - 50%10%
30% - 40%12%
20% - 30%17%
10% - 20%21%
0% - 10%29%

According to our data, 2% of the debtors in North Carolina pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 9% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 10% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 12% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 17% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in North Carolina

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage15%
Auto Loan26%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card23%
Personal Loan34%

15% of debtors in North Carolina confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 23% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 26% of people and personal loans rose at 34%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in North Carolina.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in North Carolina

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of North Carolina how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never57%
Once a year21%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year3%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in North Carolina

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in North Carolina

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
570 USD 850 USD 2,300 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
850 USD 1,400 USD 3,400 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
1,100 USD 1,700 USD 4,500 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
3-bedroom apartment
1,400 USD 2,300 USD 6,200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Furnished apartment
2,700 USD 6,800 USD 14,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Townhouse
2,300 USD 3,400 USD 9,700 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
House
2,700 USD 6,800 USD 14,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Villa
3,400 USD 8,500 USD 14,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in North Carolina ranges between 570 USD and 2,300 USD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 850 USD to 3,400 USD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,100 USD and 4,500 USD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,400 USD to 6,200 USD. The average rent of a townhouse in North Carolina is around 3,400 USD while house rental costs can be as high as 6,800 USD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,400 USD to 14,000 USD per month.



Apartment and house prices in North Carolina

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
110,000 USD 170,000 USD 340,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
140,000 USD 230,000 USD 850,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
230,000 USD 680,000 USD 1.4M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
3-bedroom apartment
760,000 USD 1.1M USD 3.4M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Townhouse
970,000 USD 2.3M USD 8.5M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
House
1.1M USD 6.8M USD 9.7M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Villa
1.4M USD 7.6M USD 11M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average price of a studio apartment in North Carolina can range from 110,000 USD to 340,000 USD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 140,000 USD to 850,000 USD. A villa can cost you 7.6M USD on average with prices ranging from 1.4M USD to 11M USD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in North Carolina will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


56 x166 monthly income 259
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in North Carolina can be x166 to x259 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x166 multiples of the average monthly salary in North Carolina.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


28% 40% of income 51%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in North Carolina is around 40%. This means that people pay 40% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 28% to 51% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
37%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.6%
AVERAGE
3.7%
TO
4.7%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


9.6 USD 120 USD 1,200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in North Carolina

Housing34%

34% of total expenses on average (22% to 46%)

LOW520 USD
AVERAGE1,500 USD
HIGH10,000 USD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW86 USD
AVERAGE260 USD
HIGH1,700 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW110 USD
AVERAGE340 USD
HIGH2,300 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW230 USD
AVERAGE690 USD
HIGH4,600 USD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)

LOW130 USD
AVERAGE390 USD
HIGH2,600 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW72 USD
AVERAGE220 USD
HIGH1,400 USD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW29 USD
AVERAGE86 USD
HIGH570 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW260 USD
AVERAGE770 USD
HIGH5,200 USD
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in North Carolina

Housing31%

31% of total expenses on average (24% to 41%)

LOW790 USD
AVERAGE2,400 USD
HIGH13,000 USD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW120 USD
AVERAGE360 USD
HIGH1,900 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)

LOW290 USD
AVERAGE860 USD
HIGH4,600 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)

LOW330 USD
AVERAGE1,000 USD
HIGH5,400 USD
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW260 USD
AVERAGE790 USD
HIGH4,200 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW140 USD
AVERAGE430 USD
HIGH2,300 USD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW48 USD
AVERAGE140 USD
HIGH760 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW410 USD
AVERAGE1,200 USD
HIGH6,500 USD
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in North Carolina

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (25% to 40%)

LOW1,100 USD
AVERAGE3,100 USD
HIGH17,000 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 9%)

LOW270 USD
AVERAGE760 USD
HIGH4,200 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 25%)

LOW600 USD
AVERAGE1,700 USD
HIGH9,500 USD
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW270 USD
AVERAGE760 USD
HIGH4,200 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW170 USD
AVERAGE480 USD
HIGH2,600 USD
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW470 USD
AVERAGE1,300 USD
HIGH7,400 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW400 USD
AVERAGE1,100 USD
HIGH6,300 USD
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in North Carolina

Housing22%

22% of total expenses on average (17% to 28%)

LOW290 USD
AVERAGE740 USD
HIGH1,300 USD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW49 USD
AVERAGE120 USD
HIGH220 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW86 USD
AVERAGE210 USD
HIGH390 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)

LOW250 USD
AVERAGE610 USD
HIGH1,100 USD
Per Month

Healthcare7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW74 USD
AVERAGE180 USD
HIGH330 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW61 USD
AVERAGE150 USD
HIGH280 USD
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW230 USD
AVERAGE580 USD
HIGH1,000 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW180 USD
AVERAGE460 USD
HIGH830 USD
Per Month
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