From the Outer Banks beaches to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Tar Heel State offers a unique blend of natural beauty and Southern charm.
But the real beauty is in the affordability of its cities.
We took a deep dive into the data to determine the most affordable places to live in North Carolina. Using a combination of Saturday Night Science and Census data, we analyzed home prices, incomes, and the cost of living for every place above 5,000 people.
Whether you’re a NASCAR fan, a lover of shrimp and grits, or someone looking for a change of scenery, these places have something for everyone.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Table | FAQs | Summary
The 10 most affordable places to live in North Carolina
Where is the cheapest place to live in North Carolina? Eden is the cheapest place to live in North Carolina.
Grab some of great granny’s sweet tea and a basket of hush puppies, and read on to see where the cost of living is the lowest in North Carolina.
Check out some more reading about North Carolina and the cheapest places in the country:
The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina For 2024
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Population: 15,349
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 81
Median Income: $43,607
Median Home Price: $135,635
Median Rent: $741
With its low cost of living and abundant amenities, Eden is a great place to call home. The town has a population of 15,349 and a median home value of $135,635. Additionally, the median rent in Eden is only $741, which is considerably lower than the state average.
Eden, as its name would suggest, is home to several parks and recreational areas, including the Smith and Dan River access points, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. The community also has a rich history, with roots in textile mills and manufacturing that date back to the late 19th century.
More on Eden: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
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Population: 27,130
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 82
Median Income: $48,457
Median Home Price: $214,034
Median Rent: $795
Thomasville, found in the heart of Davidson County, is one of the cheapest cities in North Carolina. With a $214,034 median home value that’s the 24th lowest and a median rent of $795 ranked 22nd lowest in the state, it’s a budget-friendly beacon for home-seekers.
Its economy shines with a low 5.16% unemployment rate, standing at 70th lowest statewide.
More on Thomasville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
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Population: 27,117
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 82
Median Income: $44,405
Median Home Price: $229,584
Median Rent: $797
Asheboro, situated in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, ranks third for affordability, with its cost of living considerably under the state average. Housing costs, highlighted by $229,584 home values and $797 rents, make it a budget-friendly option.
You can take your kids to the North Carolina Zoo and still have enough left to shop at the Asheboro Mall.
More on Asheboro: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
I live in Asheboro NC and think it’s a pretty nice town, but I keep to myself. Sure I keep my car and house doors locked bc I think as drug problems increase across the nation so does theft. Also think it increases unemployment. It’s my opinion that some of these incorporated prisons should be rehab centers, but my opinion goes as far as my income; not far. Still think it’s a good idea. May turn many potential inmates into employable prospects.
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Population: 14,526
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 82
Median Income: $35,061
Median Home Price: $188,591
Median Rent: $737
In Rockingham County near Greensboro, Reidsville shines as the fourth most affordable city in North Carolina. The city’s $188,591 median home value and $737 median rent are low, contributing to an 82 overall cost of living index.
The Roxboro Public Library and Mayo Park offer a plethora of penny-wise places to visit on the cheap.
More on Reidsville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
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Population: 8,131
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 83
Median Income: $39,787
Median Home Price: $197,436
Median Rent: $793
Roxboro, part of the Durham-Chapel Hill Metro Area, ranks as the fifth most economical city, offering the 19th lowest median home prices.
The city’s cost of living index sits at just 83. Roxboro residents benefit from significant savings, with living expenses that promise more bang for your buck.
More on Roxboro: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
I haven’t experienced any crime. would love to see a mall added in the future! there’s not much to do here from what I’ve seen. Would love more stores brought to the area would bring more employment along with revenue. Palace point is always fun but gets bored after a while. Would love to see planet fitness to join our town also!!!
Brookland eats is so far my favorite. Very hip scene. And golden grille is another fav. Bad is there’s no clothing stores other than Wal-Mart and Cato. Both cheap clothes. Would love to see 501 turn into more of a highway.
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Population: 19,704
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 84
Median Income: $35,653
Median Home Price: $129,381
Median Rent: $800
Whether you’re in town for the Neuseway Nature Park or Lions Water Adventure Park, you’ll find Kinston incredibly affordable. The overall cost of living is 12 points better than the state average.
In Kinston, a city in Lenoir County, eastern North Carolina, the cost of living is modest with a median home value of $129,381 and rent at $800, contributing to its rank as the sixth most affordable city.
More on Kinston: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
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Population: 19,595
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 84
Median Income: $36,868
Median Home Price: $243,908
Median Rent: $827
Lexington, centrally situated in North Carolina, stands out as the seventh most affordable city with the cost of living below the state average. As the hub of Davidson County, it boasts the 45th lowest median home value and ranks 32nd for median rent.
“Lexington: The Economical Epicenter” has fun, free things to do, including Boone’s Cave Park and High Rock Lake for children of all ages.
More on Lexington: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
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Population: 18,301
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 84
Median Income: $44,802
Median Home Price: $187,671
Median Rent: $656
Lenoir, located in the Blue Ridge foothills, is one of the most affordable places to live in North Carolina. With a median home value of $187,671 and a median rent of just $656, Lenoir offers a low overall cost of living that is ideal for those looking to save money.
Lenoir is also a great place to live. As the county seat of Caldwell County, it offers a strong sense of community and plenty of amenities. The city is located near the Brushy Mountains, which offer ample opportunities for outdoor fun.
More on Lenoir: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
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Population: 7,652
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 84
Median Income: $48,520
Median Home Price: $232,538
Median Rent: $610
Marion, North Carolina’s gateway to the West, is our ninth most affordable city in the Tar Heel State for 2024. Marion scored an 8/10 for affordability on our snackability scale, and we think it has something to do with the fact that their median income is pushing $48,520.
When residents aren’t busy cheering on their hometown hero, Coach Roy Williams, during UNC’s basketball season, they are working in one of Marion’s very profitable industries that includes healthcare, education, and retail. If affordability equals happiness, we’re pretty sure you’ll want to call the city ‘Where Main Street Meets the Mountains” your next happy home.
More on Marion: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
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Population: 5,224
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 84
Median Income: $41,182
Median Home Price: $117,948
Median Rent: $695
The furthest East North Carolina city that made our top ten list is Williamston. This little city in Martin County rounds out our list as the tenth most affordable city in the Tar Heel State for 2024.
Williamston crushed our job snackability scale. This city has great job opportunities with manufacturing positions, healthcare work, and agricultural positions up for grabs right now. Heck, something has to keep that household median income up around $41,182/year. So if you’re looking for ‘Easy Hometown Living with Hometown Values,’ with an affordable price tag, look no further than Williamston.
More on Williamston: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Cheapest places to live in North Carolina FAQs
The county in North Carolina with the lowest cost of living is Durham County. The average living wage in Durham County is $100,799 according to MIT data. Durham County has the lowest cost of living because it has relatively less expensive childcare and housing costs compared to North Carolina as a whole. Childcare costs $24,296 a year in Durham County for two children compared to the North Carolina average of $18,399. Housing costs, defined as a blend of the average rent and average mortgage payment, are $13,608 per year in Durham County compared to $11,412 on average in North Carolina.
The cost of living in North Carolina is 2.0% higher than the US average. According to MIT, the required living wage for a family of four with two working parents in North Carolina is $91,578 vs the national average for a family of four with two working parents of $89,744. The median income of a North Carolina household is $56,642.
The cheapest housing market in North Carolina is Roxboro. The average home value in Roxboro is $79,000, the lowest in the state. The average home value in North Carolina is $182,100, almost 2.3 times higher than Roxboro.
Methodology: How we determined the most affordable places to live in the Tar Heel State for 2024
Determining affordability for places in North Carolina boils down to how much it costs to live here.
You need to understand your costs relative to what people in the rest of the state are paying.
With that logic in mind, we derived several cost of living statistics from the latest Census American Community Survey 2018-2022 for North Carolina using Saturday Night Science. We indexed the cost of living statistics across the following categories:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Services
- Groceries
- Healthcare
- Utilities
These are then weighted together to produce an overall cost of living index where 100 is the United States average. Anything below 100 is relatively affordable. Anything over 100 is relatively expensive.
We applied the biggest weight to housing as it typically accounts for 25% or more of your budget. Additionally, housing costs are the highest variant cost across a state. We then compare these cost of living metrics for each place in North Carolina to figure out which is the least expensive.
The “Cost of Living Index” allows you to rank all of the 134 places in North Carolina that have more than 5,000 people from least expensive to most expensive. Any ties went to the larger city.
The place in North Carolina with the lowest cost of living according to the data is Eden.
We updated this article for 2024. This report reflects our tenth time ranking the cheapest places to live in North Carolina.
North Carolina Affordabilility Summary
This is an accurate list of the most affordable places to live in North Carolina for 2024, if you’re looking at the cost of living numbers in North Carolina.
The cheapest cities in North Carolina are Eden, Thomasville, Asheboro, Reidsville, Roxboro, Kinston, Lexington, Lenoir, Marion, and Williamston.
Here’s a look at the most expensive cities in North Carolina according to the data:
- Marvin
- Weddington
- St. James
For more North Carolina reading, check out:
- Best Places To Buy A House In North Carolina
- Richest Cities In North Carolina
- Best Places To Raise A Family In North Carolina
Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina
| Rank | City | Population | Cost Of Living Index | Median Income | Home Prices | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eden | 15,349 | 81 | $43,607 | $135,635 | $741 |
| 2 | Thomasville | 27,130 | 82 | $48,457 | $214,034 | $795 |
| 3 | Asheboro | 27,117 | 82 | $44,405 | $229,584 | $797 |
| 4 | Reidsville | 14,526 | 82 | $35,061 | $188,591 | $737 |
| 5 | Roxboro | 8,131 | 83 | $39,787 | $197,436 | $793 |
| 6 | Kinston | 19,704 | 84 | $35,653 | $129,381 | $800 |
| 7 | Lexington | 19,595 | 84 | $36,868 | $243,908 | $827 |
| 8 | Lenoir | 18,301 | 84 | $44,802 | $187,671 | $656 |
| 9 | Marion | 7,652 | 84 | $48,520 | $232,538 | $610 |
| 10 | Williamston | 5,224 | 84 | $41,182 | $117,948 | $695 |
| 11 | Lumberton | 19,099 | 85 | $41,314 | $138,892 | $758 |
| 12 | Henderson | 14,997 | 85 | $37,670 | $168,052 | $807 |
| 13 | Tarboro | 10,696 | 85 | $43,523 | $150,964 | $657 |
| 14 | Siler City | 7,847 | 85 | $48,374 | $246,037 | $816 |
| 15 | Forest City | 7,357 | 85 | $35,232 | $173,571 | $718 |
| 16 | Selma | 6,449 | 85 | $29,325 | $260,426 | $793 |
| 17 | Sawmills | 5,026 | 85 | $63,388 | $206,732 | $676 |
| 18 | Roanoke Rapids | 15,143 | 86 | $45,732 | $102,080 | $772 |
| 19 | Laurinburg | 14,971 | 86 | $38,015 | $130,067 | $750 |
| 20 | Spring Lake | 11,710 | 86 | $44,447 | $219,908 | $1,151 |
| 21 | Burlington | 56,951 | 87 | $52,963 | $223,842 | $947 |
| 22 | Hope Mills | 17,671 | 87 | $57,864 | $227,508 | $1,064 |
| 23 | Clinton | 8,362 | 87 | $38,880 | $130,559 | $720 |
| 24 | Trinity | 7,012 | 87 | $70,368 | $268,416 | $909 |
| 25 | Nashville | 5,624 | 87 | $61,513 | $245,007 | $926 |
| 26 | Rocky Mount | 54,260 | 88 | $50,092 | $188,742 | $891 |
| 27 | Sanford | 30,373 | 88 | $52,951 | $276,198 | $918 |
| 28 | Graham | 17,136 | 88 | $51,482 | $259,204 | $911 |
| 29 | Archdale | 11,873 | 88 | $63,627 | $233,051 | $894 |
| 30 | Wendell | 10,575 | 88 | $91,316 | $361,432 | $1,177 |
| 31 | Rockingham | 9,174 | 88 | $38,750 | $124,284 | $681 |
| 32 | Dunn | 8,549 | 88 | $41,843 | $213,087 | $760 |
| 33 | Cherryville | 6,113 | 88 | $57,137 | $231,051 | $919 |
| 34 | Hamlet | 6,043 | 88 | $34,798 | $122,140 | $429 |
| 35 | Wilson | 47,767 | 89 | $46,891 | $200,278 | $864 |
| 36 | Statesville | 28,576 | 89 | $51,784 | $276,418 | $873 |
| 37 | Albemarle | 16,444 | 89 | $51,673 | $230,975 | $863 |
| 38 | Smithfield | 11,527 | 89 | $37,000 | $283,417 | $618 |
| 39 | High Point | 114,120 | 90 | $58,582 | $229,659 | $1,030 |
| 40 | Goldsboro | 33,566 | 90 | $44,196 | $185,899 | $940 |
| 41 | Mount Airy | 10,621 | 90 | $34,089 | $196,528 | $666 |
| 42 | Oxford | 8,685 | 90 | $42,016 | $232,049 | $889 |
| 43 | Wadesboro | 5,004 | 90 | $32,022 | $102,065 | $893 |
| 44 | Greensboro | 297,202 | 91 | $55,051 | $248,523 | $1,048 |
| 45 | Fayetteville | 208,697 | 91 | $53,424 | $198,110 | $1,117 |
| 46 | Jacksonville | 71,908 | 91 | $50,185 | $233,373 | $1,181 |
| 47 | Havelock | 16,759 | 91 | $56,492 | $214,348 | $1,225 |
| 48 | Newton | 13,173 | 91 | $57,918 | $237,137 | $923 |
| 49 | Winterville | 10,510 | 91 | $82,969 | $271,791 | $879 |
| 50 | Washington | 9,759 | 91 | $42,821 | $222,313 | $827 |
| 51 | Gibsonville | 8,827 | 91 | $98,558 | $278,388 | $924 |
| 52 | Conover | 8,457 | 91 | $49,978 | $254,865 | $825 |
| 53 | Bessemer City | 5,472 | 91 | $44,440 | $218,355 | $882 |
| 54 | Greenville | 87,894 | 92 | $47,485 | $229,462 | $933 |
| 55 | Kannapolis | 53,314 | 92 | $66,487 | $259,607 | $1,078 |
| 56 | Salisbury | 35,437 | 92 | $48,888 | $259,125 | $961 |
| 57 | Morganton | 17,457 | 92 | $47,715 | $233,341 | $793 |
| 58 | Kings Mountain | 11,246 | 92 | $45,301 | $218,463 | $847 |
| 59 | Butner | 8,374 | 92 | $68,604 | $258,713 | $1,102 |
| 60 | Zebulon | 7,421 | 92 | $50,934 | $341,201 | $1,018 |
| 61 | Mocksville | 5,908 | 92 | $46,553 | $254,179 | $810 |
| 62 | Dallas | 5,889 | 92 | $55,979 | $255,650 | $821 |
| 63 | Angier | 5,348 | 92 | $54,936 | $318,115 | $797 |
| 64 | Garner | 31,684 | 93 | $77,171 | $374,654 | $1,371 |
| 65 | Elizabeth City | 18,570 | 93 | $50,155 | $228,656 | $1,035 |
| 66 | Lincolnton | 11,225 | 93 | $41,614 | $273,540 | $872 |
| 67 | Woodfin | 7,901 | 93 | $59,144 | $400,598 | $1,358 |
| 68 | Boiling Spring Lakes | 6,032 | 93 | $57,969 | $309,998 | $1,251 |
| 69 | New Bern | 31,373 | 94 | $55,673 | $262,377 | $1,019 |
| 70 | Mebane | 17,899 | 94 | $78,419 | $339,769 | $1,135 |
| 71 | Belmont | 14,842 | 94 | $84,274 | $403,471 | $1,190 |
| 72 | Aberdeen | 8,674 | 94 | $69,758 | $315,702 | $952 |
| 73 | Winston-Salem | 249,571 | 95 | $54,416 | $241,673 | $956 |
| 74 | Kernersville | 27,177 | 95 | $66,151 | $302,017 | $988 |
| 75 | Hendersonville | 15,102 | 95 | $50,198 | $395,150 | $1,107 |
| 76 | Waynesville | 10,307 | 95 | $44,920 | $355,984 | $1,019 |
| 77 | Gastonia | 80,615 | 96 | $58,047 | $275,514 | $1,075 |
| 78 | Clayton | 26,837 | 96 | $71,698 | $366,122 | $1,356 |
| 79 | King | 7,210 | 96 | $59,770 | $249,231 | $885 |
| 80 | Hickory | 43,352 | 97 | $58,251 | $277,464 | $917 |
| 81 | Monroe | 34,897 | 97 | $63,982 | $320,941 | $1,115 |
| 82 | Hillsborough | 9,534 | 97 | $86,250 | $440,106 | $1,276 |
| 83 | Charlotte | 875,045 | 98 | $74,070 | $387,529 | $1,399 |
| 84 | Durham | 284,094 | 98 | $74,710 | $395,610 | $1,296 |
| 85 | Concord | 105,335 | 98 | $83,480 | $361,879 | $1,259 |
| 86 | Knightdale | 19,127 | 98 | $79,364 | $363,028 | $1,409 |
| 87 | Mount Holly | 17,644 | 98 | $73,923 | $341,383 | $1,104 |
| 88 | Black Mountain | 8,430 | 98 | $75,310 | $450,375 | $1,284 |
| 89 | Cramerton | 5,294 | 98 | $89,313 | $282,370 | $1,288 |
| 90 | Morehead City | 9,632 | 99 | $51,716 | $382,949 | $1,070 |
| 91 | Brevard | 7,777 | 99 | $42,843 | $431,629 | $786 |
| 92 | Clemmons | 21,281 | 100 | $75,667 | $353,229 | $1,059 |
| 93 | Pineville | 10,532 | 100 | $55,450 | $390,836 | $1,366 |
| 94 | Unionville | 6,694 | 100 | $90,904 | $400,244 | $1,088 |
| 95 | Mooresville | 50,025 | 101 | $82,622 | $468,555 | $1,447 |
| 96 | Fuquay-Varina | 35,428 | 101 | $94,142 | $496,644 | $1,560 |
| 97 | Lewisville | 13,509 | 101 | $86,641 | $358,604 | $1,046 |
| 98 | Mills River | 7,100 | 101 | $79,802 | $503,109 | $1,186 |
| 99 | Raleigh | 465,517 | 102 | $78,631 | $431,992 | $1,371 |
| 100 | Wilmington | 116,933 | 102 | $58,908 | $390,034 | $1,213 |
