Cost of Living in Caldwell County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Caldwell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Caldwell County, North Carolina
Caldwell offers exceptional national value
Caldwell County renters spend just 15.9% of their income on rent—among the lowest ratios nationally and well below the U.S. average. With median rent of $735 and median household income of $55,401, Caldwell delivers genuine affordability without sacrificing housing quality.
North Carolina's affordability champion
Caldwell's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in North Carolina, beating the state average of 18.6% by nearly 3 percentage points. The median rent of $735 is the lowest in this sample, paired with favorable income-to-cost ratios.
Unmatched affordability among peers
Caldwell's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio surpasses all seven comparison counties, including nearby Burke County (17.4%) and Buncombe County (21.8%). The $735 median rent is the county's competitive edge, attracting cost-conscious households across the region.
Lowest-cost housing of all counties
Caldwell renters pay just $735 monthly while homeowners spend $661, with a median home value of $174,000—the second-lowest in this group. Housing costs consume under 16% of the $55,401 median income, among the healthiest ratios available.
Caldwell: unbeatable mountain affordability
Relocate to Caldwell for some of North Carolina's lowest absolute housing costs: $735 rent, $174,000 median home values, and a 15.9% rent-to-income ratio. The trade-off is lower median incomes, but for retirees, remote workers, and budget-first families, Caldwell is hard to beat.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Caldwell County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,293
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
The median home in Caldwell County may be a stretch
Median home value is $174,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,389 vs. your max of $1,293.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Caldwell County, North Carolina?
What is the median rent in Caldwell County?
Is Caldwell County affordable?
How does Caldwell County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Caldwell County?
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Caldwell County, North Carolina? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCounties with Similar Housing Costs
Compare Mortgage Rates in Caldwell County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.