Cost of Living in North Carolina: Updated Prices, Other States Comparison

North Carolina is the most populous Southeastern region in the United States. Students who come here to pursue their higher studies need to make a budget for living expenses so that they can understand and make a budget accordingly. The average cost of living in North Carolina per month for one person is approximately USD 1,304 after excluding the rent cost.

North Carolina has top-tier universities and offers living at an affordable cost with a safe and enjoyable environment. If you are thinking of relocating to North Carolina for higher studies, you need to understand the recent updates on the cost of living in North Carolina. In this blog, we will discuss in detail the average cost of living and other essential expenses in North Carolina. Let’s get started.

Cost of Living in North Carolina

On average, monthly the cost of living in North Carolina for an individual is around USD 1,304 without rent. However, the rent of a room apartment may cost you around USD 1,400 – USD 2,400. It can vary from person to person as it depends on that person’s budget and lifestyle.

The living cost for an individual depends on some essential factors, such as housing rent, food and grocery prices, local transportation costs, utility bills, etc. The cost of living in North Carolina can vary depending on the student’s preferences. Lifestyle choices. Here are some categories that contribute to the cost of living in North Carolina:

Also Read: Cost of Living in Sydney: A Comprehensive Guide on Sydney’s Expense

Costs of Accommodation in North Carolina

A one-bedroom apartment in a North Carolina city can cost around USD 1,991 per month for one person, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to USD 3,614. However, the average cost of housing in North Carolina depends on a few factors, such as the location and size of the apartment.

Housing costs contribute a large portion of the cost of living in North Carolina. By looking at the table below, you can understand the average housing cost in North Carolina, both inside and outside the city centre:

Apartment	Location	Approx Monthly Cost
Single-Bedroom Apartment	City Centre	USD 1,991
Single-bedroom Apartment	Outside the Centre	USD 1,650
Three -bedrooms Apartment	City Centre	USD 3,614
Three -bedrooms Apartment	Outside the Centre	USD 2,934

Cost of Utilities in North Carolina

North Carolina people spend approximately USD 256 per month on basic utilities. It includes electricity, water, heating, garbage bills, etc. For your convenience, we have already added the cost of utilities to the cost of living in North Carolina. In the following table, utility costs in North Carolina are given for your reference:

Utility Type	Approx Monthly Cost
Basic Utility for an apartment (Water, Electricity, Cooling, Heating and Garbage)	USD 256
Internet Plan (60 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	USD 84
Monthly Mobile Phone Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	USD 68

Cost of Grocery in North Carolina

In North Carolina, students need to maintain a monthly grocery budget as it is a primary and important part of the overall living cost. However, grocery costs may vary according to season, availability, quality and quantity. For your convenience, the average price of groceries in North Carolina is shown in the table below:

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	USD 0.99
Eggs (regular) (12)	USD 4.09
Apples (1kg)	USD 5.72
Banana (1kg)	USD 1.59
Oranges (1kg)	USD 6.32
Tomato (1kg)	USD 4.94
Potato (1kg)	USD 3.18
Onion (1kg)	USD 2.74
Lettuce (1 head)	USD 1.98
Cheese (1kg)	USD 14.06
Rice (white), (1kg)	USD 5.60
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	USD 4.31
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	USD 3.04

Also Read: Cost of Living in Nashville: A Guide on Expected Expenses

Restaurant Food Costs in North Carolina 

North Carolina offers a mouthwatering taste of its food culture at a reasonable price. Whether you want a meal at a restaurant or want to taste its street food, North Carolina has something for everyone.

The average cost of a meal at an affordable restaurant in North Carolina is around USD 20 and the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant for 2 people is around USD 90, including three main courses.

Transportation Costs in North Carolina 

Getting around in North Carolina is easy by public transportation like light rail, ferry, bus, and subway, but it will cost some money. Typically, a one-way fare in North Carolina is around USD 2.25. Public transportation costs in North Carolina depend on the type of service you choose and the distance you travel.

Transportation costs account for a significant portion of the total living cost in North Carolina. But for your reference, below we have outlined the average cost of transportation in North Carolina:

Mode of Transport	Approx Monthly Cost
One-way Fare Ticket for Local Transport	USD 2.25
Regular Monthly Pass	USD 60
Taxi Start	USD 2.50 (Normal Tariff)
Taxi 1 km	USD 1.55 (Normal Tariff)
Taxi 1 hour Waiting	USD 15.00 (Normal Tariff)
Gasoline	USD 0.95 per litre

Cost of Living in North Carolina Compared to Other Cities

In general, compared to many other states in the US, North Carolina offers a fairly affordable cost of living with abundant opportunities for work and entertainment. Individuals need to thoroughly research the cost of living in nearby states to determine how affordable it is to align their financial goals with their lifestyle in North Carolina.

For your reference, we have given the cost of living in North Carolina compared to other cities like Texas, Florida, California, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Colorado. So to give you an idea of ​​how affordable it is to live in North Carolina to pursue higher education compared to other cities. Please have a look:

Cost of living city-wise	Approx Costs	Comparison Cost of Living in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Texas	USD 1236	Lower than North Carolina
Cost of Living in Florida	USD 1332	Lower than North Carolina
Cost of Living in California	USD 1,340	Higher than in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Michigan	USD 1,196	Lower than North Carolina
Cost of Living in Ohio	USD 1,195	Lower than North Carolina
Cost of Living in Pennsylvania	USD 1,239	Lower than North Carolina
Cost of Living in Virginia	USD 1,035	Lower than North Carolina
Cost of Living in Wisconsin	USD 1,104	Lower than North Carolina
Cost of Living in Missouri	USD 1,083	Lower than North Carolina
Cost of Living in Colorado	USD 1,288	Lower than North Carolina

Average Cost of Tuition Fees in North Carolina

Another main expense for a scholar who wants to go for higher studies in North Carolina universities is the tuition fees. However, the average cost of tuition at North Carolina universities may vary depending on the program you prefer and the level of education you pursue.

Discovering the average tuition fees in universities in North Carolina is a difficult task for a scholar. That is why the average tuition fees at universities in North Carolina are given in the table below for your reference.

Name of University in North Carolina	Approx Tuition Fees per year
Duke University	USD 66,172
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	USD 39,338
Wake Forest University	USD 64,758
North Carolina State University	USD 31,976
Elon University	USD 44,536
University of North Carolina–Charlotte	USD 21,338

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FAQs

So, this was all about the cost of living in North Carolina. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.