North Carolina has a comparatively cheap cost of living in comparison to the national average. It is recognized for its varied landscapes, which include mountains, beaches, and energetic cities. Yet, affordability differs by area and is impacted by things like utilities, housing, transportation, and medical care. Ten things to think about if you’re looking for affordable housing in North Carolina in 2024 are as follows:

Eden

Eden, a small city in Rockingham County with about 15,000 residents, has the lowest median property value—$136,635—among the cities on this list. The city also has reasonable median rent of $900 and transportation costs that are 23.1% lower than the national average. Particularly, Eden is well known for its history museum, which displays the city’s legacy in furniture, tobacco, and textiles.

Rocky Mount

Rocky Mount, which has a population of about 54,000, is located in the counties of Edgecombe and Nash. Its median home value is $190,780, while its median rent is $850, which is below average. Additionally, the cost of healthcare in the city is 12.6% less than the national average. Known for its restored historic cotton mill complex, Rocky Mount Mills, the community has a variety of stores, eateries, and breweries.

Fayetteville

With a population of around 209,000, Fayetteville, located in Cumberland County, is the sixth-largest city in North Carolina. Among larger cities, Fayetteville stands out as an affordable alternative with a typical property value of $199,299 and a median rent of $1,050. Its utility costs are also 9.8% less than the national average. Fayetteville is home to several attractions, including the Historic Downtown Fayetteville and the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

Thomasville

With a population of over 27,000, Thomasville, a tiny city in Davidson County, has a typical property value of $214,034 and a median rent of $1,000. Known for its yearly Everybody’s Day celebration, Thomasville also features a massive chair, a representation of the furniture industry.

Asheboro

Asheboro, a community of around 27,000 people in Randolph County, has a median property value of $227,305 and a typical rent of $1,000. Although it’s a little higher than the state average, it’s still reasonable. Asheboro is the birthplace of NASCAR icon Richard Petty and home to the North Carolina Zoo, the biggest natural environment zoo in the world.

Burlington

Burlington, a mid-sized city in the counties of Guilford and Alamance with about 59,000 population, has a median property value of $228,886 and a median rent of $1,100. Its healthcare expenditures are 5.1% less than the national average, while still being quite close to the state average. The yearly Carousel Festival in Burlington is well-known for honoring the city’s antique Dentzel Carousel.

Greenville

At over 89,000, Greenville, a sizable city in Pitt County, is the tenth-largest in the state. At $229,059 for median house value and $1,197 for typical rent, it is still somewhat higher than the state average but lower than the national average. With cultural attractions like the Greenville Museum of Art and River Park North, the city functions as a center for healthcare, education, and entertainment.

Tarboro

With a population of roughly 11,000, Tarboro is a small town in Edgecombe County with a typical property value of $230,000 and a median rent of $1,000. It is reasonably priced, with utilities 8.2% less than the national average and slightly over the state average. The Tar River Festival is held in Tarboro’s historic quarter, which is home to structures dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Kinston

With 20,000 or so residents, Kinston is a small city in Lenoir County with a typical property value of $230,000 and a median rent of $1,000. The city, which is slightly over the state average, is notable for its historical significance in the American Revolution and Civil War as well as its low transportation expenses, which are 10.4% lower than the national average.

Lenoir

Lenoir, a town of around 18,000 people, is tucked away in Caldwell County. Its median home value is $230,000, and its median rent is $1,000. Lenoir offers healthcare at a 4.9% cheaper cost than the national average, albeit being somewhat over the state average. Lenoir, which is well-known for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor pursuits in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is also a thriving center for the furniture industry, showcasing regional handicrafts in galleries and museums.

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