Which NC counties are the most affordable? These spots have the lowest cost of living
The cost of living can vary state to state and even city to city, but a new report is shedding light on the cheapest areas in North Carolina where you’ll save the most money.
As part of its 2024 Best Places to Live ranking, Niche released a list of the counties with the lowest cost of living in North Carolina based on housing costs, median tax rates and other factors.
Of the 100 counties in North Carolina, the most affordable one overall is Graham County in the western part of the state, with a population of about 8,000 people.
Overall Niche grade: B-
Housing: B+
Diversity: B-
Good for families: B-
Public schools: C+
Jobs: C
Nightlife: C
According to the report, the median home value is $134,000. In comparison, the national average is $281,900.
Here’s a look at which other counties are among the most affordable in North Carolina.
NC counties with the lowest cost of living
Graham County
Overall Niche grade: B-
Median Home Value: $134,000
Jones County
Overall Niche grade: B-
Median Home Value: $115,400
Caswell County
Overall Niche grade: B
Median Home Value: $138,600
Montgomery County
Overall Niche grade: B+
Median Home Value: $139,900
Alexander County
Overall Niche grade: B
Median Home Value: $169,300
Duplin County
Overall Niche grade: B
Median Home Value: $112,400
McDowell County
Overall Niche grade: B
Median Home Value: $153,300
Sampson County
Overall Niche grade: B
Median Home Value: $116,600
Yadkin County
Overall Niche grade: B-
Median Home Value: $160,500
Robeson County
Overall Niche grade: B-
Median Home Value: $87,700
Greene County
Overall Niche grade: B-
Median Home Value: $108,300
Wilkes County
Overall Niche grade: B
Median Home Value: $146,200
Swain County
Overall Niche grade: A-
Median Home Value: $178,900
Surry County
Overall Niche grade: B+
Median Home Value: $153,700
Northampton County
Overall Niche grade: C
Median Home Value: $96,000
Caldwell County
Overall Niche grade: B
Median Home Value: $158,300
Rutherford County
Overall Niche grade: B+
Median Home Value: $158,200
Mitchell County
Overall Niche grade: B
Median Home Value: $191,400
Martin County
Overall Niche grade: B-
Median Home Value: $99,200
Scotland County
Overall Niche grade: B-
Median Home Value: $99,900
Burke County
Overall Niche grade: B+
Median Home Value: $155,500
Bertie County
Overall Niche grade: C
Median Home Value: $87,500
Rockingham County
Overall Niche grade: B-
Median Home Value: $142,900
Richmond County
Overall Niche grade: B
Median Home Value: $111,900
Stokes County
Overall Niche grade: B-
Median Home Value: $168,600
You can find the full report on the North Carolina counties with the lowest cost of living online at www.niche.com.
