North Carolina's cost of living index is 96.7 — 3.3% below the US average of 100 (MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026). The index averages the cities that take part in the survey, so it describes those areas rather than the whole state. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
96.7
US avg = 100 · MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026
vs. National Avg
-3.3%
Less expensive
Median Income
$73,958
Median household · Census ACS 2024 1-year
Equiv. at US Avg
$76,482
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 96.7 | MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026 — composite, US avg = 100 |
| vs. National | 3.3% | Below average cost |
| Median Household Income | $73,958 | North Carolina median — Census ACS 2024 1-year |
| National Purchasing Power | $76,482 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Moderate | CalcHub band of the index: Low < 90 ≤ Moderate < 100 ≤ High < 115 ≤ Very High |
| Population | 11,197,968 | Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025 |
With a cost of living index of 96.7, North Carolina is roughly on par with the national average. Lower costs in North Carolina mean your dollar goes further. A salary of $73,958 in North Carolina provides the equivalent purchasing power of $76,482 in a state at the national average.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.North Carolina's typical home value of $334,800 is near the U.S. typical value of $368,700 (Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026). Other factors include state income tax (3.99% top rate in North Carolina), sales tax (4.75% state rate), and property taxes (0.61% effective rate).
