Zoe Alvarez
The average rent in North Carolina varies depending on the source and the date of publication. According to Zillow, the average rent for all bedrooms and property types in North Carolina is $1,895 per month, which is 9.76% lower than the national average. However, as of August 2025, another source claims the average rent in the state is $1,360 per month. This variation in average rent may be due to differences in data collection methods, timing, and the specific locations included in the calculations. Additionally, rent prices can fluctuate over time, with some areas in North Carolina experiencing increases or decreases in rental costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average rent in North Carolina | $1,360/month (as of August 2025) to $1,895 |
| Average rent for a studio | $1,314 |
| Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment | $1,360 |
| Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment | $1,551 |
| Average rent for a three-bedroom rental | $1,924 or more |
| Cheapest cities in North Carolina | Edenton, Benson, and Elkin |
| Most expensive cities in North Carolina | Research Triangle Park, Calabash, and Colfax |
| Average rent in Raleigh | $1,607/month |
| Average rent in Durham | $2,141 |
| Average rent in Charlotte | $2,081 |
| Average rent in Concord | $1,852 |
| Average rent in Asheville | $2,705 |
| Average rent for a non-climate-controlled 10'x10' storage unit in Raleigh | $116.43 |
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What You'll Learn
Average rent in North Carolina: $1,895
The average rent in North Carolina is $1,895. This figure includes all bedrooms and property types and is 9.76% lower than the national average of $2,100. The rent market in North Carolina is considered "cool", indicating decreasing demand compared to the national average.
The cost of renting in North Carolina varies depending on the region and type of property. For instance, metropolitan areas may have higher rents than smaller towns and rural areas. The average rent for a studio apartment in North Carolina is $1,314 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment will cost around $1,360 per month. If you're looking for a two-bedroom place, you can expect to pay approximately $1,551 per month. For a three-bedroom rental, the price goes up to $1,924 or more.
The cost of living in North Carolina is relatively average, making it an affordable place to live compared to more expensive cities like San Francisco. However, within the state, there are variations in the cost of living. For example, Chapel Hill is the most expensive city in North Carolina, with living costs 18.5% higher than the state average and 7.8% higher than the rest of the US. On the other hand, the cheapest cities in North Carolina are Edenton, Benson, and Elkin.
It's important to consider the recommended basic living wage in North Carolina when thinking about renting. According to MIT's living wage data, the living wage in North Carolina is $21.56 per hour or approximately $44,845 per year. This is the minimum recommended amount to cover necessities such as housing, food, and transportation. However, it doesn't include student debt payments, travel, savings, or discretionary spending.
When budgeting for rent, it's generally recommended to allocate no more than 30% of your income. In Raleigh, North Carolina, for example, the average resident would need to earn at least $48,760 per year, or $4,063.33 per month, to live comfortably. This amount may vary depending on individual circumstances and desired lifestyle.
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Cost of living in Chapel Hill
The cost of living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is higher than both the state and national averages. Overall, Chapel Hill's cost of living is 4% to 6% higher than the national average, with housing costs being 13% to 17.4% more expensive. The average rent in Chapel Hill is $1,519, which is 7.3% lower than the national average. However, rent prices can vary, with some sources citing rents ranging from $1,519 to $2,365 per month.
For a single adult with no dependents, a salary of around $60,120 before taxes is recommended to live comfortably in Chapel Hill. This would cover basic household expenses, including housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and goods and services. Groceries in Chapel Hill are slightly more expensive than the national average, with costs about 0.7% to 1% higher. Healthcare costs are also higher, with healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry costing 9% to 14.3% more than the national average.
Transportation costs in Chapel Hill are lower than the national average. Gas prices are around $3.25 per gallon, and a tire balancing service costs about $54.77. Basic utilities, such as energy and telecommunications, are also more affordable, with energy bills costing approximately $182.75 per month.
Entertainment and personal services are slightly more expensive in Chapel Hill. A movie ticket costs around $13.86, a haircut is priced at $20.00, and dry cleaning services are about $20.93. Clothing is also more costly, with a men's shirt averaging $38.86 and women's slacks at $36.16.
When considering the cost of living in Chapel Hill, it's important to keep in mind that expenses can vary depending on family size and location. Additionally, the recommended budgeting rule for rent is to allocate no more than 30% of your income. To live comfortably in Raleigh, North Carolina, for example, an annual income of at least $48,760 is suggested. According to MIT's living wage data, the living wage in North Carolina is $21.56 per hour or roughly $44,845 per year, but this does not include student debt repayments, travel, savings, or discretionary spending.
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Average rent in Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh, and Charlotte
As of August 2025, the average rent in Charlotte, North Carolina, is $1,485 per month. This figure varies depending on the type of apartment: a studio apartment is around $1,428 per month, a one-bedroom apartment is $1,485, a two-bedroom apartment is $1,795, and a three-bedroom rental is $2,225 or more. The most affordable neighbourhoods in Charlotte include West Blvd, The Oasis at Regal Oaks, and Becton Park. Hunters Gate at Landen, Provincetowne, and Dilworth Historic District are among the most expensive neighbourhoods.
In Greensboro, North Carolina, the median rent is $1,500. The price range for all property types is $525 to $4,911.
The median rent in Durham, North Carolina, is $1,895. Rent prices in Durham are 9% lower than the national median.
The average rent in Raleigh, North Carolina, is $1,401 per month. The cost of living in Raleigh is 3.2% lower than the national average. Housing in Raleigh is 8.6% less expensive than the national average, with rent prices ranging from $1,302 to $2,042. The most affordable neighbourhoods in Raleigh include Pine Ridge, Lake Park Condominiums, and Fairview Acres. Park District, Farrior Hills, and Main District are among the most expensive neighbourhoods.
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Recommended income to live comfortably in Raleigh
The recommended income to live comfortably in Raleigh, North Carolina, varies depending on various factors, including lifestyle, family size, profession, personal preferences, and financial goals. According to a CNBC and SmartAsset study, a single adult needs an average annual salary of about $102,752 to live comfortably in Raleigh. However, some residents report living comfortably on less, while others prefer a higher income for additional security and lifestyle choices.
Based on the recommended budgeting rule of allocating no more than 30% of income to rent, the average resident in Raleigh would need to earn at least $48,760 annually, or $4,063.33 per month, to comfortably afford the median rent in the city. This amount is significantly lower than the average salary in North Carolina, which is $66,186 per year, and even further from the national median income of $75,149.
The cost of living in Raleigh is relatively affordable, 3% lower than the national average. Housing costs are 9% lower than the national average, while utilities are 10% lower, groceries are at the national average, and transportation costs are lower by 8%. However, it is important to note that Raleigh's cost of living is higher than that of other cities and towns in North Carolina.
The recommended living wage in North Carolina, according to MIT, is $21.56 per hour or roughly $44,845 per year, covering necessities like housing, food, and transportation. However, this does not include student debt repayments, travel, savings, or discretionary spending. The average Raleigh resident spends $4,447 per month, which may influence an individual's definition of living comfortably.
Overall, the income required to live comfortably in Raleigh will depend on an individual's unique circumstances and lifestyle choices. While some may find $45,000 sufficient, others suggest that even $100,000 per year is not enough, especially for households with children, due to the high cost of daycare.
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Average rent in North Carolina's 13 nearby neighbourhoods
The average rent in North Carolina varies depending on the region. As of August 2025, the average rent across the state is $1,360 per month. In metropolitan areas, rents tend to be higher than in smaller towns and rural areas.
Raleigh
The average rent in Raleigh, NC, is $1,401 per month. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh is $1,219, while a two-bedroom apartment will cost you around $1,389. The most affordable neighbourhoods in Raleigh are Winslow Ridge at Sunnybrook ($1,222), Glenwood North ($1,250), and North Haven ($1,257). The most expensive neighbourhoods in Raleigh are Wolf Crossing ($2,380), Trailwood ($2,745), and Willmont ($3,055). Downtown Raleigh is the most popular neighbourhood, with an average rent of $1,992.
Greensboro
Greensboro is one of the more affordable cities in North Carolina, with a median rent of $1,001 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,115 for a two-bedroom.
Durham
The average rent in Durham is slightly higher than in Greensboro, with a median rent of $1,173 for a one-bedroom and a median of $1,365 for a two-bedroom.
Charlotte
Charlotte is one of the more expensive cities in North Carolina, with a median rent of $1,282 for a one-bedroom and $1,398 for a two-bedroom.
Research Triangle Park
Research Triangle Park is one of the most expensive cities in North Carolina, with a strong job market, amenities, and a vibrant college town atmosphere.
Edenton, Benson, and Elkin
These cities are among the cheapest in North Carolina, offering more affordable rental options.
Cumberland, Johnston, and Harnett
These counties located near North Carolina have an average rent of $2,227, which is roughly $1 per square foot.
DeKalb County, GA
The zip code 30058 in DeKalb County, GA, has the most affordable average rent for apartment listings at $1,900 per month.
Fairfax, VA
Fairfax, VA, is the most expensive county near North Carolina, with an average rent of $3,300.
North Bethesda, MD
The zip code 20852 in North Bethesda, MD, has the highest average rent in the area at $4,544 per month.
Terry Sanford, Seventy-First, and Westover
These neighbourhoods are among the top 13 neighbourhoods in or near North Carolina, with an average rent of around $2,205 per month.
The cost of living in North Carolina is relatively average, and rent prices have remained stable over the last year.
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Frequently asked questions
The average rent in North Carolina is $1,895 per month.
The price of rent in North Carolina varies depending on the type of property and location. For example, the average rent for a studio is $2,015, while a four-bedroom property is $2,500. The cheapest cities to live in are Edenton, Benson, and Elkin, while the most expensive are Research Triangle Park, Calabash, and Colfax.
The cost of living in North Carolina is relatively average, with rent prices 10% lower than the national average. However, some cities like Chapel Hill are more expensive, with living costs 18.5% higher than the state average.
It is recommended that you spend no more than 30% of your income on rent. For example, in Raleigh, the average resident would need to earn at least $48,760 per year to live comfortably and follow this budgeting rule.
The average rent prices for one-bedroom apartments in some of North Carolina's major cities are as follows: Greensboro ($1,001), Durham ($1,173), Charlotte ($1,282), and Raleigh ($1,219).
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