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Most Expensive Cities in North Carolina
If you are considering a move to North Carolina and want to stay away or live in one of the most expensive cities, keep reading to learn more about the most expensive cities in NC.
If you are looking to move to North Carolina, one of the most important things to know immediately is the cost of living. North Carolina is one of 11 states with a flat income tax rate, which means everyone gets taxed the same percentage of their income.
Living wages can vary by city and county, but you need an estimated annual income between $45,000 and $65,000 for a single person to live comfortably in North Carolina. An average family of four needs a combined income of $98,000 to live comfortably in 2025.
Comparing this number to the nation and surrounding states shows that North Carolina is neither too expensive nor is it too cheap. The cost of living is 5% lower than the national average.
However, even though the overall state is, on average, an affordable place to live, some expensive cities cost more than others. The cost of living in big cities is often one of the cons compared to small towns. If you are looking to move to North Carolina, it is important to know what area will perfectly fit your needs and lifestyle, so knowing what you can afford while living happily is essential.
North Carolina offers a diverse range of living experiences, but some cities come with a premium price tag. This guide breaks down the most expensive cities in the state, providing crucial insights for anyone considering a move
Keep reading to learn more about the most expensive cities in North Carolina.
1. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is located 10 miles west of Durham and 20 miles northwest of Raleigh, positioning itself as a central hub in the Research Triangle region. Home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, this area is a very populated city with something for everyone, whether you are searching for a thriving job market, beautiful scenery, or high-ranked schools.
As a premier real estate destination, this vibrant community provides an exceptional quality of life that goes far beyond its world-renowned university roots. Chapel Hill boasts a dynamic population of approximately 60,000 residents, with a significant portion being students, academics, and professionals in technology and research sectors.
According to Payscale, the cost of living in Chapel Hill is 4% higher than the national average. Thanks to this city's upscale shops, fine dining, and atmosphere, prices are higher than in surrounding areas, mainly due to the university being located there. The median houshold income in Chapel Hill is $68,000.
If you are searching for homes for sale in the area, the housing market may surprise you. The median home price is approximately $525,000. Since this is such a large area, there are many various neighborhoods to choose from from historic downtown areas to modern suburban developments.
Chapel Hill is a trendy place for families, young adults, and retirees. No matter what you are interested in, this city has something for everyone. However, overall housing costs are 19% higher than the national average, and other expenses in the town are also up there.
If you are moving to Chapel Hill, consider all the factors. This beautiful city is thriving and offers so much to its residents, so if you are interested in moving, check out the gorgeous homes for sale in Chapel Hill.
2. Boone
Boone is a quaint little town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is one of the most popular western towns in North Carolina. The thriving tourism industry, expansive university, and growing community are just a few reasons this city is more expensive than the surrounding areas.
Named after the legendary explorer Daniel Boone, this mountain town has evolved from a quiet mountain settlement to a dynamic destination that attracts residents seeking a unique lifestyle. With a population of around 19,000, the town is home to Appalachian State University, which significantly influences its character and economic landscape.
With high demand and little supply of homes, the housing market is very competitive in Boone, and housing is more expensive than in other areas. The overall cost of living in Boone is 5.6% higher than the national average. The median household income in Boone is about $52,000.
The median home price is approximately $425,000, and home prices are currently trending upwards 5.4% year-over-year. If you are relocating to the area, you should be aware that the housing market is competitive, and if you want to move here, start looking for homes available.
Boone's real estate market offers diverse options:
- Mountain view properties
- Historic downtown cottages
- Modern mountain homes
- Ski resort adjacent properties
- Student-focused housing near Appalachian State University
3. Asheville
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has transformed from a quiet mountain town to a dynamic cultural hub that attracts residents from across the country. With its eclectic arts scene, craft brewery culture, and stunning natural beauty, Asheville offers a lifestyle that goes far beyond traditional mountain living.
The overall cost of living in Asheville is 4% higher than the state average and 1% lower than the national average. Housing expenses are 2% lower than the nationwide average. The median home price is around $500,000 and home prices reflect the city's desirability and unique mountain location.
Homes are more expensive in Asheville due to tourism and the demand for housing with insufficient room. The natural increase in demand for housing made prices rise drastically, and it is only on the rise right now because of the desire to be here.
Asheville and other surrounding western areas are naturally beautiful, making them highly desirable places for people to relocate. With so much to offer its residents, the small-town feeling while enjoying the big-city life is one of the main reasons why people love this area.
With a population influx over the recent years, the housing market is starting to become very competitive. If you are searching for homes for sale in Asheville, check out the available real estate here while homes are still affordable.
4. Wilmington
Situated along the southeastern coast of North Carolina, Wilmington offers a unique blend of historic charm, coastal living, and modern amenities that make it an increasingly attractive destination for homebuyers and investors. From its stunning beaches to its rich historical heritage, this coastal city presents a compelling real estate opportunity.
Wilmington is a top choice for those searching to relocate to the southern coast. Voted as "America's Best Riverfront," this city is surrounded by beautiful beaches, thriving city life, and welcoming residents. This beach town is continually growing and attracting many new people.
Wilmington's cost of living is 4% lower than the national average, but is about 1% higher than the state average. The city of Wilmington has been experiencing notable growth in home values. The median home price is approximately $385,000 and the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges between $1,400 and $1,600 per month.
The Wilmington housing market is very competitive for many reasons. Home prices are rising steadily since this is such a highly sought-after area. However, even though the overall cost of living here is lower than the national average, compared to other cities in NC, Wilmington is considered to be more expensive.
The economy in Wilmington is thriving and the median household income is $58,000. Offering various top neighborhoods for different lifestyles, some of the most popular places to live in Wilmington include the following:
- Historic Downtown: Charming, walkable area with restored homes
- Wrightsville Beach: Luxury waterfront living
- Carolina Beach: Affordable coastal community
- Midtown: Growing area with modern amenities
- Landfall: Upscale gated community
- Castle Hayne: Emerging suburban development
5. Cashiers
Tucked away in the pristine mountains of Jackson County, Cashiers represents a unique real estate opportunity that combines breathtaking natural beauty with exclusive mountain living. This small, upscale community offers a serene escape for those seeking a sophisticated mountain lifestyle far from the hustle of urban centers.
Cashiers is known for its charming views and atmosphere. Sadly, this beautiful town has a high price tag, with a median home price of about $1.6 million due to the area's popularity. This town is a popular destination for vacations and retirees, making it an expensive place to permanently reside.
However, even though this area is expensive, there are beautiful luxurious homes for sale throughout the mountains, providing a high quality of living. Offering distinctive property types from luxury mountain estates to rustic high-end cabins, there is something for everyone.
The average household income for Cashiers is about $72,000 and key economic drivers include luxury tourism, high-end real estate, seasonal hospitality, and retirement community services. Due to high land values, this area makes it difficult for middle-income people to live here.
The cost of living in Cashiers is 3.8% higher than the state and 5.5% lower than the national average. Housing costs are the main reason living here is more expensive.
However, the residents of Cashiers are welcoming and friendly, which creates an inviting atmosphere for new residents and all tourists. If you are searching for a unique and beautiful area nested in the Blue Ridge Mountains, then Cashiers may be the place to look at homes for sale.
With positive job growth, average temperatures throughout the year, excellent schools, and unique things to do, Cashiers is a town for everyone and anyone.
Notable areas in Cashiers include:
- The Village: Central shopping and dining district
- High Hampton: Exclusive resort community
- Wade Hampton Golf Club area
- Norton Estates
- Chattooga Club neighborhood
6. Nags Head
Nags Head is a coastal town in Dare County mainly known for its breathtaking beaches. With its rich natural beauty and historical significance, this premier destination attracts homebuyers, investors, and vacation property seekers from across the nation.
Situated on North Carolina's stunning Outer Banks, Nags Head is located approximately 200 miles east of Raleigh. With a year-round population of around 3,000 residents, the town swells significantly during peak tourist seasons, creating a dynamic and vibrant coastal community.
However, due to the prime coastal location and tourism appeal, the median home price is about $844,000, which makes it one of the most expensive cities to live in the state.
Due to its location off the coast, this is a popular destination for tourists, and there are many things to do. The luxury homes and oceanfront houses make Nags Head an upscale place to live and make it an attractive location for coastal lovers.
The cost of living is 8.4% higher than the national average and 19.1% higher than the state average. The median houshold income is $65,000.
Nags Head may be an expensive place to be, but it is also a fantastic place to live. This beautiful town has a unique atmosphere, many things to do, and stunning landscapes. Whether you are searching for a place to settle down or even a vacation house, this destination may be expensive, but with all it has to offer, it is a great place to buy a home
7. Charlotte
Charlotte ranked among the top 25 most expensive cities in North Carolina. However, according to Payscale, the cost of living in Charlotte is still 2% lower than the national average. Remember, though, that with the solid economic growth, Charlotte has seen an increase in housing and overall expenses, which concerns current and new residents.
Moving to Charlotte is a popular thing for people to do. People who are searching to move to North Carolina either choose Charlotte or Raleigh because of the pros they both have. With a population of approximately 911,311, it's the largest city in North Carolina and a major financial hub.
However, this city's thriving job market makes it easy for residents to afford the area. If you are searching for new job opportunities or affordable land, then Charlotte is the place since it is growing drastically.
Charlotte is among the best places in the United States for jobs. With an unemployment rate of 3.9% and a median household income of $67,000, this city is a popular choice for those looking for higher-paying jobs, which helps with the higher living costs.
If you want to relocate to Charlotte, understand the area and neighborhoods you are searching for. Each community has something different to offer its residents, and the prices will range drastically. Remember that no matter where you choose to move to this city, you will still experience the high quality of life it offers its residents.
Methodology
To determine the most expensive cities in North Carolina, factors such as the cost of living, median home price, real estate market, unemployment rate, job market, and median household income were considered.
FAQs
Where is the most excellent place to live in North Carolina?
North Carolina has many beautiful places to live. The top sites people love to live in are Raleigh, Charlotte, and Chapel Hill for many reasons.
Is North Carolina an expensive place to live in?
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average cost of living in North Carolina is about $38,295 a year, considered affordable compared to other states.
What is the wealthiest zipcode in NC?
The richest zipcode in North Carolina is 28207 which is a postal code located in Charlotte. The average household income here is $409,660 which is way higher than the state and national average.
Most Expensive Cities in NC - The Bottom Line
North Carolina is a state that has so much to offer. This state has many unique qualities and high rankings, from the coast to the mountains. Each city throughout the state has something to offer: natural beauty, southern hospitality, and fun things to do.
However, even though the overall state is, on average, an affordable place to live, some expensive cities are higher than others. If you are looking to move to North Carolina, knowing what area will fit your needs and lifestyle ideally is essential, so knowing what you can afford while living happily is necessary.
If you are considering a move to North Carolina, please do not hesitate to contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to connect you with a local agent to help you with the homebuying process.
