North Carolina is a popular destination for students seeking to further their education. The cost of living in North Carolina is one of the key factors that make the state a preferred choice for students. Along with its vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage, and numerous top universities like Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University, it offers both academic excellence and an enjoyable lifestyle.
However, before packing your bags, it’s important to understand the cost of living in North Carolina. This guide will break down the various aspects of living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and more, to help students plan their budgets effectively.
Table of contents
- Cost of Living in North Carolina Overview
- Average Accommodation Costs in North Carolina
- Utilities and Energy Costs in North Carolina
- Food and Groceries Costs in North Carolina
- Transportation Costs in North Carolina
- Healthcare and Medical Expenses
- Miscellaneous Costs in North Carolina
- Cost of Living in North Carolina vs. Other States
- FAQS on Cost of Living in North Carolina
Cost of Living in North Carolina Overview
For a single person, the average cost of living in North Carolina is approximately USD 2,241 a month with rent (according to LivingCost). This amount covers the expenses necessary to maintain a certain standard of living, encompassing housing rent, food, utilities, and other daily essentials. While North Carolina’s cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other states, it can vary significantly depending on the city or region.
For students, North Carolina generally offers a more affordable lifestyle than places like California or New York, but cities like Charlotte and Raleigh can still be pricey compared to rural areas. In comparison to other states, the overall cost of living in North Carolina is below the national average, which makes it an attractive choice for students on a budget.
Average Accommodation Costs in North Carolina
As a student, finding affordable student accommodation in North Carolina is one of your biggest priorities, especially since accommodation costs make up a significant portion of the overall cost of living in North Carolina. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around USD 1,419 per month. However, less expensive areas typically cost it about USD 1,161 per month.
Understanding the average housing costs in North Carolina can help students make informed decisions based on their preferred lifestyle and budget. Rent prices tend to be higher in mountainous regions, coastal towns, or urban hubs like Raleigh. Below is a breakdown of median home rents across various safest cities in North Carolina:
| City | Median Home Rent (USD) |
| Asheville | 1,175 |
| Wilmington | 1,295 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 1,386 |
| Raleigh | 1,468 |
| Charlotte | 1,287 |
| Winston-Salem | 1,056 |
| Greenville | 880 |
Utilities and Energy Costs in North Carolina
In addition to rent, it’s important to consider utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet, as these contribute significantly to your overall cost of living in North Carolina. On average, utility costs amount to around USD 107 per month for an individual, though this can vary depending on the size of your accommodation and the time of year. Internet services typically cost between USD 50 and USD 70 per month.
Urban areas tend to have higher utility costs, but rural regions can also be expensive, especially during the winter months. Heating costs in rural areas may be higher due to less efficient insulation in older homes.
Food and Groceries Costs in North Carolina
Eating well is crucial for maintaining energy during your studies, but managing your food budget is equally important. If you prefer dining out occasionally, fast food meals cost between USD 7 and USD 10, while meals at more casual restaurants average USD 15 to USD 25 per person. However, your dietary choices will have a significant impact on your monthly food expenses.
Cooking at home can help students reduce the average cost of living in North Carolina, as it allows you to prepare meals according to your own preferences. To give you an idea of how much you might spend on groceries, we’ve provided the cost of a few essential grocery items in the table below. This will help you estimate your expected grocery expenses in North Carolina.
| Item | Average Cost |
| Milk, 1 L or 1 qt | USD 0.93 |
| Bread, 0.5 kg or 1.1 lb | USD 3.36 |
| Rice, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | USD 4.5 |
| Eggs, x 12 | USD 3.49 |
| Cheese, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | USD 12.4 |
| Apples, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | USD 5.47 |
| Banana, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | USD 1.69 |
| Oranges, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | USD 4.98 |
| Tomato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | USD 4.50 |
| Potato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | USD 3.06 |
| Onion, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | USD 3.08 |
| Water, 1 L or 1 qt | USD 1.33 |
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Transportation Costs in North Carolina
Getting around in North Carolina is convenient with options like light rail, buses, ferries, and subways, though these services come with a cost. Typically, a one-way fare for public transportation is about USD 2.25. The price of transportation in North Carolina varies based on the type of service and the distance you travel.
A student can estimate your travel distance from your college to your place of residence and calculate your monthly transportation expenses, as it can contribute significantly to the overall cost of living in North Carolina. Below is an overview of the average transportation costs in North Carolina:
| Mode of Transport | Approximate Monthly Cost in USD |
| One-way Fare Ticket (Local Transport) | 2.25 |
| Regular Monthly Pass | 60 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 2.50 |
| Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) | 1.55 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 15.00 |
| Gasoline | 0.95 per litre |
Healthcare and Medical Expenses
Healthcare costs are another important consideration when budgeting for your time in North Carolina. Medical expenses are often unpredictable, so it’s essential to account for healthcare and emergency funds when planning your cost of living in North Carolina state.
- Student Health Insurance: Many universities offer health insurance plans for students, which can cost between USD 1,500 and USD 3,000 annually.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Doctor visits typically cost USD 100 to USD 150, while dental cleanings average around USD 80 to USD 150. Prescriptions can range from USD 10 to USD 100 depending on your health needs.
Miscellaneous Costs in North Carolina
In addition to housing, transportation, and groceries, there are several other miscellaneous expenses to consider when living in North Carolina. These costs can vary based on personal preferences and lifestyle, but here are some typical prices for common services and items:
- Gym Membership (1 month): USD 48.20
- Cinema Ticket (1 person): USD 13.40
- Haircut (simple): USD 22.60
- Brand Jeans: USD 52.60
- Brand Sneakers: USD 90.60
These costs can give you a better understanding of some of the additional expenses that contribute to the overall cost of living in North Carolina. Keep in mind that these prices can fluctuate depending on the location and your personal preferences.
Cost of Living in North Carolina vs. Other States
When considering the cost of living in North Carolina, it stands out as one of the more affordable states, particularly for students. Compared to neighbouring states, North Carolina offers a competitive advantage, especially in housing costs. North Carolina provides a broader range of metropolitan options, offering students a vibrant mix of educational and lifestyle opportunities.
To give you a clearer picture of how affordable it is to live in North Carolina for higher education, here’s a comparison of its cost of living with other cities:
| City | Approximate Cost of Living | Comparison to North Carolina |
| Cost of Living in South Carolina | USD 2222 | Lower than North Carolina |
| Cost of Living in Texas | USD 2141 | Lower than North Carolina |
| Cost of Living in Pennsylvania | USD 2315 | Higher than in North Carolina |
| Cost of Living in Virginia | USD 3271 | Higher than in North Carolina |
| Cost of Living in Michigan | USD 1945 | Lower than North Carolina |
| Cost of Living in Ohio | USD 1914 | Lower than North Carolina |
| Cost of Living in Wisconsin | USD 1979 | Lower than North Carolina |
| Cost of Living in Missouri | USD 1919 | Lower than North Carolina |
| Cost of Living in Colorado | USD 2500 | Higher than in North Carolina |
| Cost of Living in Florida | USD 2518 | Lower than North Carolina |
| Cost of Living in California | USD 2918 | Higher than in North Carolina |
North Carolina offers a relatively affordable lifestyle for students compared to other states in the U.S. While living costs can vary depending on the city and personal lifestyle, students can generally expect reasonable prices for housing, food, utilities, and transportation. By planning your budget carefully and considering cost-saving options, North Carolina provides a great opportunity to balance quality education and a fulfilling student life. For booking the best student accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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FAQS on Cost of Living in North Carolina
The average cost of living in North Carolina is approximately USD 2,241 per month, excluding rent. However, this figure can vary depending on the specific location and individual lifestyle preferences.
The average living cost for international students in North Carolina is around USD 2,241, which is higher than the national average of USD 1,168. While it may be more expensive than in some areas, North Carolina offers an excellent lifestyle, particularly for students.
To live comfortably in North Carolina, you would need about USD 2,241 per month, not including rent. This figure represents the general cost of living for an individual in the region.
Yes, North Carolina is an affordable place to live because the average cost of living for a single person is around USD 2,241 per month (excluding rent), which is lower than the national average. This makes it a great living environment with many benefits, making it an attractive choice for residents.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in North Carolina’s city centre is around USD 1,419 per month. However, in less expensive areas, the rent can be as low as USD 1,161 per month.
Accommodation costs in North Carolina vary depending on the city. For example, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is USD 1,175 to USD 1,468. In smaller cities rent can be much lower, with prices at USD 1,056 to USD 880.
On average, utility costs in North Carolina amount to around USD 107 per month for an individual. This can vary depending on the size of your accommodation and the time of year.
Yes, urban areas tend to have higher utility costs, while rural areas can also be expensive, especially in winter. Heating costs in rural regions may be higher due to less efficient insulation in older homes.
Dining out in North Carolina can vary, with fast food meals typically costing between USD 7 and USD 10, while meals at more casual restaurants can range from USD 15 to USD 25 per person.
The cost of groceries in North Carolina varies depending on your dietary preferences. For example, milk costs about USD 0.93 per liter, bread costs USD 3.36 for 0.5 kg, and chicken breast costs USD 11.7 per kilogram.
A one-way fare for public transportation in North Carolina typically costs around USD 2.25. Monthly passes are available for around USD 60.
A taxi ride in North Carolina starts at USD 2.50, with a cost of USD 1.55 per kilometre, and if you need to wait for an hour, it costs USD 15.00.
Student health insurance plans in North Carolina typically range from USD 1,500 to USD 3,000 annually, depending on the provider and coverage.
Doctor visits in North Carolina typically cost between USD 100 and USD 150, while dental cleanings can range from USD 80 to USD 150. Prescriptions vary from USD 10 to USD 100 depending on the medication.
A monthly gym membership in North Carolina costs approximately USD 48.20.
A cinema ticket for one person in North Carolina typically costs USD 13.40.
The cost of living in North Carolina is higher than in South Carolina, with North Carolina’s average cost at USD 2,241 compared to South Carolina’s USD 2,222.
No, the cost of living in North Carolina is significantly lower than in California, where the average cost of living is USD 2,918 compared to North Carolina’s USD 2,241.
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