Cost of Living in North Carolina
Overall index: 97.9 — ranked #25 of 51 (near the national average).
Where your money goes in North Carolina
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in North Carolina
Estimated annual spending: $63,171($11,829 remaining)
What things cost in North Carolina
| Item | North Carolina | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $325,000 | $360,000 | $-35,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,316/mo | $1,400/mo | $-84 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.29/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.21 |
| Electric bill | $103/mo | $137/mo | $34 |
| Infant childcare | $11,720/yr | $13,500/yr | $1,780 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.90 | $4.95 | $0.05 |
| Monthly groceries | $406/mo | $410/mo | $4 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: North Carolina vs national average
What a salary in North Carolina is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,950 | $-1,050 |
| $75,000 | $73,425 | $-1,575 |
| $100,000 | $97,900 | $-2,100 |
| $125,000 | $122,375 | $-2,625 |
| $150,000 | $146,850 | $-3,150 |
| $200,000 | $195,800 | $-4,200 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in North Carolina than the national average.
Compare North Carolina with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in North Carolina?
North Carolina has an overall cost-of-living index of 97.9, making it near the national average (ranked #25 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $325,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,316/month.
Is North Carolina expensive to live in?
North Carolina is near the national average with an overall cost-of-living index of 97.9 (average = 100). Some categories may be higher or lower than average.
How much does housing cost in North Carolina?
The median home price in North Carolina is $325,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,316/month. North Carolina's housing index is 94 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 6% below the national average.
How much are groceries in North Carolina?
North Carolina's grocery index is 99 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.90 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $406, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in North Carolina?
The average monthly electric bill in North Carolina is $103 based on the state's residential rate of 11.65¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in North Carolina?
Center-based infant childcare in North Carolina averages $11,720/year ($977/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in North Carolina?
A $75,000 salary in North Carolina has the same purchasing power as $76,609 at the national average cost of living. Your salary goes about as far as the national average. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- North Carolina Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after North Carolina taxes
- House Affordability in North Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare North Carolina take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.