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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Beaufort County ranks #1,576 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 50%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Beaufort County
Affordability Verdict
Beaufort County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $859/month representing approximately 17.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $859/month rent versus $831/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $28/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,614/year. With a median household income of $57,997, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Beaufort County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Yancey County where rent averages $807/month, Beaufort County is approximately 6% more expensive.
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
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.
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