Are you thinking about moving to North Carolina and are worried about living costs? This guide will help you figure out the average cost of living in North Carolina, including in the two largest cities: Charlotte and Raleigh.
Overall, the living costs in North Carolina are slightly lower than the ones in the United States on average, with an index cost of living of 96.2 (100 being the U.S. average). Charlotte has a cost of living index of 75.53 while Raleigh’s cost of living index is 69.98.
Income:
The median household income in North Carolina is $47,830. In Charlotte, it is $75,419 and in Raleigh $54,581. In comparison, the median household income in the United States is $61,372.
Housing:
The median sale price for a house in North Carolina, any type of property included, is $181,700, with an average price per square foot of $130. Of course, this number varies widely depending on the location and condition of the property. In Raleigh, the median sale price for a home is $251,300. In Charlotte, the median sale price for a home is $226,000. In comparison, the median sale price for a home in the United States is $229,800.
If you are planning to rent, you will spend on average $740 (for a studio) to $1380 (for a three-bedroom) a month, which is significantly lower than the average of the United States rental market which goes from $890 for a studio to $1660 for a three bedroom. The median rent price in Charlotte is $1450, or $1400 in Raleigh.
Food:
The cost of groceries in North Carolina is slightly lower on average than the rest of the country, with an index of 96, 100 being the national average. One gallon of milk costs $3.13 on average in the United States. In Raleigh, you will pay around $3.48, and in Charlotte, it will cost you $2.92 on average. As another example, a dozen eggs costs on average $2.30 nationally, $2.45 in Charlotte and $2.26 in Raleigh.
Utilities:
The average cost of utilities for a 915 sq.ft. apartment in the United States, including electricity, heating, cooling, water and garbage pickup is around $150.82 on average. In Charlotte, the same service would cost $166.33, or $130.32 in Charlotte.
For unlimited Internet data, count about $62.10 a month on average in the United States. That cost is slightly lower in North Carolina, with average prices at $58.30 and $57.96 in Charlotte and Raleigh respectively.
Gas:
Count $2.15 on average for a gallon of gas in North Carolina, which is below the $2.72 national average. The same gallon of gas costs on average $2.54 in Charlotte and $2.68 in Raleigh.
Education:
In 2015-2016, the average price for a semester for in-state students at UNC Chapel Hill was $24,320 or $50,360 for out-of-state students, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel, health insurance, loan fees, and personal spending.
For private all-day preschool for one child, you would spend per month an average of $855 in Charlotte or $875 in Raleigh. The same service costs on average $869.76 a month nationally.