North Carolina Cost of Living Calculator
North Carolina scores 96.7 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 91.4, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $72,525 here; its highest part is health care at 107.9.
| Index | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 96.7 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 91.4 |
| Groceries | 101.0 |
| Utilities | 96.2 |
| Transportation | 94.2 |
| Health care | 107.9 |
| Other goods and services | 98.8 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
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Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
Additional Details
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
Equivalent Salary Needed
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Salary Difference
-$2,475.00
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
North Carolina's figures fill the destination side: composite 96.7 for the salary, housing 91.4 for the rent, and 3.99% flat for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
North Carolina ranks 24th highest of the 50 states on the composite index (96.7). Median household income: $73,958 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $1,460 a month.
What North Carolina's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in North Carolina | Rent at the U.S. average → in North Carolina | North Carolina income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,350 | $1,000 → $914 | $1,420 (2.9%) |
| $75,000 | $72,525 | $1,500 → $1,371 | $2,385 (3.3%) |
| $100,000 | $96,700 | $2,000 → $1,828 | $3,350 (3.5%) |
| $150,000 | $145,050 | $2,500 → $2,285 | $5,279 (3.6%) |
North Carolina 2026 single-filer rates, after North Carolina Department of Revenue — NC Standard Deduction or NC Itemized Deductions (tax year 2025).
North Carolina and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in North Carolina | $1,500 rent there = in North Carolina | $75,000 in North Carolina = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 90.1 / 77.6 | $80,494 | $1,767 | $69,881 | 4.99% flat → 3.99% flat |
| South Carolina | 92.7 / 79.5 | $78,236 | $1,725 | $71,898 | 5.21% top rate → 3.99% flat |
| Tennessee | 89.7 / 80.0 | $80,853 | $1,714 | $69,571 | none on wages → 3.99% flat |
| Virginia | 99.0 / 99.3 | $73,258 | $1,381 | $76,784 | 5.75% top rate → 3.99% flat |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in North Carolina?
North Carolina's composite index is 96.7 for Q2 2026, the 24th highest of the 50 states. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $72,525 buys in North Carolina.
Which prices are highest and lowest in North Carolina?
Against a U.S. average of 100, North Carolina's highest part is health care (107.9) and its lowest is housing (91.4); groceries and health care are above the national average, the other four at or below it (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in North Carolina at 30% of income?
About $58,400 a year: North Carolina's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,460 a month, and $17,520 a year is 30% of that salary.