North Carolina, or the Tar Heel State, can be an excellent place for you to retire. There's a lot to do in this city. Of course, North Carolina has you covered if you want to live by the ocean. But, if you're going to retire to the mountains, North Carolina has that. The state is known for its hot summers, cold winters, and good times. The state is also known for its cost of living. These costs can be lower than in the rest of the country. Read below as we break down the cost of living in North Carolina compared to the rest of the country.
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Overall, North Carolina is a state where living costs are over 5 points more than the national average. North Carolina is cheaper than the national average in all departments, including rent, though not by much. However, housing is almost 10 points less than the average, with a median home cost of over $100k less. So if you're looking to retire to a lovely home in the state, you're in luck, as North Carolina can be cheap. Depending on where you live, the cost of living can be even more affordable, so do your research to find the best place for you to settle in North Carolina.
Cost-of-living indices
100 = US average. Higher means more expensive.
Housing & rent
Statewide medians and averages.
Whether you're comparing options for a parent or planning ahead for yourself, here's where to start by care level.
Assisted living provides personal care, meals, and daily support for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but not full medical supervision.
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive decline.
Independent living is community housing for active seniors who want amenities, social life, and freedom from home upkeep without daily personal-care services.
Home care brings personal-care services and companionship into the senior's own home rather than moving them into a community.
A skilled nursing facility (SNF, often called a nursing home) provides 24-hour licensed medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health conditions.
Senior apartments are age-restricted rental homes - typically for residents 55+ or 62+ - designed for older adults who live independently.
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Hand-picked from our directory
Greensboro, NC
4.1 · 41 reviews
Pineville, NC
4.2 · 39 reviews
Raleigh, NC
4.3 · 35 reviews
Charlotte, NC
3.6 · 33 reviews
Cary, NC
3.2 · 31 reviews
Hendersonville, NC
4.1 · 30 reviews
Caregivers who come to you
Local pricing
Median monthly cost of assisted living, sourced from public data. Actual community pricing varies by apartment size, level of care, and amenities.
| City | Avg. monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen | $6,113.00 |
| Advance | $6,010.00 |
| Ahoskie | $6,010.00 |
| Alamance | $6,010.00 |
| Albemarle | $6,010.00 |
| Albertson | $5,955.00 |
| Alexander | $5,928.00 |
| Alexis | $5,272.00 |
| Alliance | $4,999.00 |
| Almond | $4,917.00 |
| Altamahaw | $4,917.00 |
| Andrews | $4,887.00 |
| Angier | $4,753.00 |
| Ansonville | $4,521.00 |
| Apex | $4,370.00 |
| Arapahoe | $4,261.00 |
| Ararat | $4,020.00 |
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