Thinking of relocating to North Carolina?
You couldn’t pick a more diversified state!
From gorgeous green landscapes to sandy beaches to the majestic Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains, North Carolina has something for everyone to enjoy.
Best of all, there are plenty of affordable cities in the Tar Heel State to make it easy to enjoy life to the full.
From small, urban communities to major metropolitan areas, the following are some of the cheapest places to live in North Carolina for those who plan to make this state their new home.
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Cheapest Places to Live in North Carolina
Whether you’re relocating to North Carolina for work, school, or retirement, the following budget-friendly cities make good choices to call home.
1. Eden
Eden is perhaps the most affordable city in the state, with a cost of living that’s almost 28% lower than the national average.
Located at the junction of the Smith and Dan Rivers, this small, historical town offers a myriad of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, and water sports.
If you’re an outdoor buff, life in Eden will be a joy!
Additional perks include a vibrant yet affordable historical district and kid-friendly parks.
Rents average around $650 and median home prices are around $219,440.
2. Lumberton
Lumberton is located in the Inner Banks Region near the Lumber River.
At one point, it was a key shipping port for….lumber! (Of course!)
The city is known for its bustling hospitality and dining scene for both residents and those traveling through Lumberton on their way down South (Florida) or up North (New York).
Low apartment rentals (around $665 monthly), low home costs (averaging around $222,575), and low property taxes (around $685 annually) make Lumberton an attractive place for retirees living on a budget.
Exceptional food, beautiful river views, spectacular landscapes, and the welcoming vibe of Southern hospitality will make newbies to the area feel right at home.
3. Rockingham
Rockingham may be small – roughly 9,000 inhabitants – but it has its charms for those seeking a small, urban community to call home.
Median rent costs are around $552 while median home prices average around $215,840, some of the cheapest in the state.
Hunting and fishing are my favorite area sports.
Or you can visit the local zoo, catch races at the Rockingham Dragway, or enjoy golfing at the local golf club.
The cost of basics like food, childcare, healthcare, housing, transport, and taxes are all lower than the national average.
4. Fayetteville
With a population of approximately 208,500, Fayetteville is a much larger city than Rockingham, but still affordable when it comes to renting or buying a home.
A one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,000 monthly and homes average around $219,500 to buy.
Plant lovers will enjoy exploring the gorgeous fauna at Cape Fear Botanical Garden and Fayetteville Rose Garden.
Fayetteville is also home to the Airborne & Special Ops Museum, a must-see for all.
Fayetteville’s downtown district is lined with cobblestone streets, charming mom-and-pop shops, delectable outdoor eateries, and historical sites to explore.
5. Laurinburg
About 40 miles west of Fayetteville lies the city of Laurinburg, population 15,242.
This college town is home to St. Andrews University, a private Presbyterian institution with an annual enrollment of approximately 875 students.
In Laurinburg, young professionals and students enjoy modern amenities and entertainment within a less hectic urban environment.
Money here goes a bit further than in other parts of the country as the cost of living is almost 30% lower than the U.S. average.
Median rents in this area average $675 while median home prices are around $215,335.
6. Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount, population 54,400, is yet another affordable place to live in North Carolina.
Home prices average around $212,000, about 40% lower than what people pay in other parts of the country.
Rent prices are estimated to be about 17.6% lower than the U.S. average.
One-bedroom apartments go for about $945 monthly.
Some prominent cultural/recreational sites to explore are the Rocky Mount Mills, where shops and restaurants abound, the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences Museum, and the Bridge Tar River Trail.
7. Henderson
Henderson is a small, budget-friendly community located close to the capital city of Raleigh.
It’s home to about 15,085 people.
Living here enables you to enjoy the sights and sounds of the big city for fun and recreation, and return home to the peace and quiet of small-town living.
Henderson enjoys a low cost of living that’s almost 29% lower than the U.S. average.
Home prices average around $258,800. Median rents are fairly low, at about $670.
Henderson is also close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which provides residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, and more.
8. Concord
About 107,700 people reside in the mid-sized city of Concord, located in the metropolitan area of Charlotte.
Concord evolved from a thriving mill town in the 19th and early 20th century to the modern metropolitan city it is today.
Quality schools and beautiful green spaces make Concord a good place for families.
Nearby colleges and universities like Franklin U and Cabarrus College of Health & Sciences make it an attractive location for students and young professionals seeking to advance their careers in healthcare, finance, and technical fields.
A low cost of living and reasonable rental and home costs make it possible to enjoy a rich and active lifestyle without breaking the bank.
9. Asheboro
A move to Asheboro, population 26,729, puts you within easy reach of beautiful beaches, the mountains, and the popular cities of High Point (“Home Furnishings Capital of the World”), Greensboro, and Winston-Salem.
Despite these amenities, you can look forward to spending less as the cost of living is about 21% below the U.S. average.
Asheboro is home to the North Carolina Zoo, one of the largest natural habitats for animals in captivity in the world.
Nestled at the foot of the Uwharrie Mountains, this peaceful community is a virtual paradise for nature enthusiasts to explore.
Average rents are around $685, and you can buy a home for around $252,000.
10. Greenville
With a population of approximately 89,700 people, Greenville is North Carolina’s 11th largest city, populace-wise.
It’s home to East Carolina University (ECU), the 4th largest university in the state.
ECU is also the only university in North Carolina with a medical and dental school.
This health and educational hub attracts young professionals, students, businesses, and families alike due to its modern amenities and affordable lifestyle.
Apartment rentals (2 bedrooms) average around $950.
Housing costs are about 22% less than the national average.
Greenville is also known for its amazing breweries, Cajun Creole catfish, and oyster bars.
11. Winston-Salem
During the tobacco industry’s heyday, Winston-Salem was known as Camel City due to being the production hub of Camel cigarettes.
Today, it’s a flourishing college town housing five colleges and universities, including Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State.
With a population of approximately 250,320, Winston-Salem is known for its rich culture, affordable lifestyle, and Southern charm.
Affordable housing, a low cost of living, and a booming job market in healthcare, finances, and public and higher education attract students, young professionals, and families alike.
12. Reidsville
In Reidsville, you can escape the high living costs of larger metropolitan cities.
This budget-friendly rural community of 14,463 people is well within most people’s financial reach!
Home prices and rentals are fairly reasonable – for now, at least!
Apartment rentals average around $670 and home prices around $268,800.
The popularity of this fair city, however, is steadily growing as more people discover its cultural and historical charm.
The city’s proximity to Greensboro (a 30-minute drive away) provides opportunities for career advancement in Greensboro while still enjoying a more tranquil, affordable small-town lifestyle.
North Carolina Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: North Carolina Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina a good place for retirees?
Retirees will find North Carolina an inviting place to live due to inexpensive housing, safe rural and urban environments, great weather, and quality medical care.
North Carolina also has retirement-friendly tax laws that will help you save your hard-earned retirement funds.
Wherever you live in the Tar Heel State, there are ample opportunities for outdoor fun and adventure.
North Carolina’s beautiful beaches offer swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sports.
In the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains, you can hike, fish, camp, and more!
Major cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and others offer cultural and historical sights to explore.
Is it expensive to live in North Carolina?
You can live comfortably in North Carolina for far less than many other parts of the country.
You may find your money goes further in NortCarolina than in many western or northeastern states.
Overall, the cost of living in North Carolina is about 5% lower than the U.S. average.
Necessities like housing, utilities, groceries, and clothing are all slightly lower than the national average.
In 2023, it was estimated that singles could live a comfortable lifestyle in North Carolina with an annual salary of approximately $54,600.
Naturally, that depends a great deal on the type of lifestyle you choose.
Can you enjoy a good quality of life in North Carolina?
When it comes to quality of life, North Carolina surpasses most people’s expectations!
From gorgeous coastal beaches to majestic mountains and beautiful state and national parks in between, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to visit and explore.
Add a moderate climate, safe living environments, and low cost of living to the mix, and it’s no wonder more and more people are choosing North Carolina as their new home.
