Cost of Living in Transylvania County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Transylvania County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Transylvania County ranks #924 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Transylvania County, North Carolina
Transylvania: luxury housing, solid affordability
Transylvania County has the region's highest median home value at $336,100, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% remains better than North Carolina's 18.6% average. The county's $64,523 median income supports these premium property values comfortably.
Pricey homes, but affordable ratios
Transylvania's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average, demonstrating that higher home values here align with proportionally higher incomes. At $909/month median rent, the cost is higher than most peers, yet the earnings support it well.
Premium properties on premium incomes
Transylvania's $909 rent is the region's highest, reflecting its status as a desirable mountain destination with strong income support ($64,523). The median home value of $336,100 dramatically exceeds Sampson ($128,400) or Scotland ($109,900), positioning it as the region's luxury market.
Higher costs, but higher earning power
Transylvania renters spend 16.9% of their $64,523 income on $909/month rent—a higher cost balanced by higher incomes. Homeowners pay $808/month, and the $336,100 median home value reflects Transylvania's status as the region's most expensive and desirable county.
Transylvania for those seeking premium
If you're relocating with above-average income and seek mountain living with higher-end properties, Transylvania's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio shows the market is actually quite sustainable. Compare your income to the $64,523 median: if you exceed it, Transylvania's premium becomes genuine value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Transylvania County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Transylvania County is affordable. The median rent is $909/month against a median household income of $64,523, putting rent at 16.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Transylvania County pay $909/month on average, compared to $808/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,629/year. With a median household income of $64,523, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Transylvania County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Transylvania County sits 6% more expensive than Randolph County ($857/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Transylvania County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,506
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.0%
of gross income
The median home in Transylvania County may be a stretch
Median home value is $336,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,683 vs. your max of $1,506.
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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