Cost of Living in Beaufort County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Beaufort County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Beaufort County, North Carolina
Beaufort's coastal affordability beats the nation
Beaufort County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% outperforms the national average of 18.6% by 0.8 percentage points, with median household income of $57,997 supporting moderate housing costs. At $859/month for rent and $831 for owner costs, Beaufort offers balanced coastal living without coastal-tier pricing.
Beaufort holds strong in state affordability rankings
At 17.8%, Beaufort's rent-to-income ratio is below North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, placing it in the state's more affordable county tier. The county's median rent of $859 is below the state median of $938 and paired with solid median household income of $57,997.
Beaufort delivers coastal value without coastal prices
Beaufort's $859 rent sits between mountain peers, while its median home value of $181,200 is the lowest among counties in this analysis—offering exceptional equity potential. Owner costs at $831/month are competitive, making Beaufort an attractive option for homebuyers seeking coastal character without premium pricing.
Beaufort renters balance housing with other needs
At $859/month, renters spend 17.8% of their $57,997 annual income on housing, leaving roughly $4,773 annually for utilities, food, and savings. Homeowners at $831/month face a similar burden, with median home values under $182,000 providing accessible pathways to ownership in a coastal region.
Beaufort: coastal living on a reasonable budget
If you're drawn to North Carolina's coastal communities, Beaufort County offers the lowest median home values in this group ($181,200) paired with a respectable 17.8% rent-to-income ratio. Compare against mountain alternatives like Ashe or Avery to decide between coastal and mountain communities—both offer below-state-average affordability.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Beaufort County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,353
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.2%
of gross income
The median home in Beaufort County may be a stretch
Median home value is $181,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,447 vs. your max of $1,353.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.