Can I Afford to Live in North Carolina?
North Carolina - Research triangle, mild climate, and one of the fastest-growing states. See median rent, home values, and the most affordable ZIP codes below.
Find ZIP Codes You Can Afford in North Carolina
Enter your salary to see neighborhoods in your budget.
🏠 To Buy in North Carolina
With median home value of $302,000, you'd typically need an income of at least $75,500/year and a down payment of $30,200 (10%).
🏘️ To Rent in North Carolina
With median rent of $1,200/month, you should earn at least $43K/year (30% rent-to-income rule). This is above the US median of $1,163/mo.
💰 Median Income
North Carolina residents earn a median household income of $60,516/year. Rent takes approximately 24% of median income.
Most Affordable ZIP Codes in North Carolina
Ranked by lowest median rent, minimum population 3,000+
| # | ZIP · City | Rent/mo | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28205 Charlotte | $833 | 51 |
| 2 | 28204 Charlotte | $1,147 | 69 |
| 3 | 27603 Raleigh | $1,209 | 67 |
| 4 | 28202 Charlotte | $1,284 | 67 |
| 5 | 27601 Raleigh | $1,378 | 66 |
| 6 | 27605 Raleigh | $1,805 | 75 |
| 7 | 28203 Charlotte | $1,869 | 74 |
| 8 | 27606 Raleigh | $1,942 | 75 |
| 9 | 28226 Charlotte | $2,025 | 76 |
| 10 | 28209 Charlotte | $2,028 | 75 |
| 11 | 27615 Raleigh | $3,055 | 80 |
| 12 | 27609 Raleigh | $3,455 | 85 |
| 13 | 27607 Raleigh | $3,520 | 85 |
Top-Rated Neighborhoods in North Carolina
Highest ZipScore - best combination of safety, schools, and quality of life
FAQs: Living in North Carolina
What salary do I need to live comfortably in North Carolina?
To live comfortably in North Carolina, you'd want to earn at least $43,200/year to rent at the median price without being cost-burdened (spending more than 30% of income on housing). To buy at the median home price of $302,000, aim for a salary of $75,500+.
Is North Carolina expensive to live in?
North Carolina has a median rent of $1,200/month, which is above the US national median of $1,163. Cost varies significantly by city and neighborhood - the table above shows the most affordable ZIP codes in North Carolina.
What is the most affordable city in North Carolina?
The most affordable ZIP codes in North Carolina are ranked in the table above by median rent. Smaller cities and suburbs typically offer significantly lower costs than the major metro areas. Click any ZIP code to see its full neighborhood profile.