North Carolina attracts Americans from all over. And there’s a good reason why: Affordable homes, healthcare, and low cost of living. You can’t go wrong with the Old North State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities in North Carolina is still only around $200,000. Lumberton’s cost of living is 28% lower than the national average, and Henderson is 27.9% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Rocky Mount’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $185K. Meanwhile, Fayetteville offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $214,832.
Cheapest Places to Live in North Carolina in 2025
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in North Carolina. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lumberton | $150,110 | $1,275 | 28% lower ⬇️ | $43,114 | 19,121 |
| 2. Henderson | $175,725 | $995 | 27.9% lower ⬇️ | $38,780 | 14,857 |
| 3. Kinston | $137,935 | $1,000 | 24.6% lower ⬇️ | $35,250 | 19,411 |
| 4. Eden | $146,521 | $950 | 22% lower ⬇️ | $50,959 | 15,332 |
| 5. Rocky Mount | $185,189 | $995 | 19.3% lower ⬇️ | $52,927 | 54,245 |
| 6. Fayetteville | $214,832 | $1,400 | 18.6% lower ⬇️ | $56,395 | 209,749 |
| 7. Thomasville | $220,717 | $1,300 | 16.3% lower ⬇️ | $58,246 | 27,435 |
| 8. Asheboro | $233,557 | $1,000 | 19.5% lower ⬇️ | $48,628 | 27,726 |
| 9. Burlington | $242,585 | $1,575 | 16.3% lower ⬇️ | $54,941 | 60,032 |
| 10. Greenville | $234,699 | $1,399 | 14.7% lower ⬇️ | $50,564 | 90,053 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in North Carolina
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Old North State:
#1 Lumberton
- Median house rent is $1,275 | Rental prices range between $650 and $2,250.
- Median home value of Lumberton is $150,110.
- Cost of living in Lumberton is 28% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Lumberton, NC: 28269 | 28277 | 28078
The average transportation expenses in Lumberton are 29.9% lower than the US average. Nestled in Robeson County and conveniently close to major cities like Fayetteville. The city also has a growing job rate of 14.72% which is higher than the US average. Moreover, Lumberton Cellulose and Flo-Tite are two top companies for professionals seeking careers.
» Lumberton Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the least expensive places to live in North Carolina.
#2 Henderson
- Median house rent is $995 | Rental prices range between $650 and $3,500.
- Median home value of Henderson is $175,725.
- Cost of living in Henderson is 27.9% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Henderson, NC: 28269 | 28277 | 28078
Henderson’s average grocery costs are 8.8% lower than the national median. Families can enjoy outdoor activities at J.B. Williamson Park and John L. Kerr Lake, where you can picnic, hike, and enjoy water sports. Henderson is served by the Vance County Schools district. Living in Henderson is special because of its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, which makes it an ideal place for families.
» Henderson Homes for Sale: Browse properties in one of the cheapest city to live in NC.
#3 Kinston
- Median house rent is $1,000 | Rental prices range between $455 and $2,500.
- Median home value of Kinston is $137,935.
- Cost of living in Kinston is 24.6% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Kinston, NC: 28269 | 28277 | 28078
With housing costs 65.6% below the national average, Kinston stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in North Carolina. Transportation costs are also 38.2% lower than the US median. For entertainment, the annual Kinston Music Festival is a highlight that promotes local artists. Outdoor lovers can also enjoy walks near the Neuse River which offers scenic views.
» Kinston Homes for Sale: Search cheap places to live in North Carolina.
#4 Eden
- Median house rent is $950 | Rental prices range between $600 and $2,700.
- Median home value of Eden is $146,521.
- Cost of living in Eden is 22% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Eden, NC: 28269 | 28277 | 28078
Eden offers affordable transportation which is 23.1% lower than the national average. Dan River is one of the spots that offers recreational activities like kayaking and fishing. The Eden Farmers Market runs from spring to fall, offering local produce, crafts, and live music. Additionally, the city has two major employers Osborne and Gildan that offer many jobs.
» Eden Homes for Sale: Discover cheapest place to buy a house in North Carolina.
Use a North Carolina Cost of Living Calculator to compare housing, utilities, and transportation costs. Get a detailed cost breakdown across affordable cities for free💲.
#5 Rocky Mount
- Median house rent is $995 | Rental prices range between $500 and $3,390.
- Median home value of Rocky Mount is $185,189.
- Cost of living in Rocky Mount is 19.3% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Rocky Mount, NC: 28269 | 28277 | 28078
Rocky Mount is an excellent choice for senior citizens seeking affordable healthcare, with costs that are 12.6% lower than the national average. Also, The Rocky Mount Arts Center hosts a variety of exhibitions and performances. The Tar River runs through the city, offering picturesque views and recreational options such as fishing, kayaking, and walking trails.
» Rocky Mount Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of properties in one of the cheapest cities to live in North Carolina.
#6 Fayetteville
- Median house rent is $1,400 | Rental prices range between $450 and $4,199.
- Median home value of Fayetteville is $214,832.
- Cost of living in Fayetteville is 18.6% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Fayetteville, NC: 28269 | 28277 | 28078
Fayetteville is home to the renowned University of Arkansas, one of the top universities in the US. The Fayetteville Historic Square stands out as a delightful hub, featuring charming boutiques, a vibrant farmers’ market, and a lively ambiance. Additionally, major employers such as Walmart, headquartered nearby in Bentonville, greatly enhance the local job market.
» Fayetteville Homes for Sale: Explore cheapest real estate in North Carolina.
7. Thomasville
- Median house rent is $1,300 | Rental prices range between $795 and $3,649.
- Median home value of Thomasville is $220,717.
- Cost of living in Thomasville is 16.3% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Thomasville, NC: 28269 | 28277 | 28078
Thomasville offers monthly utilities costs which are 2% lower than the national average. The city offers a blend of parks and events like Cherokee Lake Park and the Rose Show and Festival. There are also top companies like Old Dominion Freight Line and Lexington Home Brands that offer many job opportunities.
» Thomasville Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in one of the most affordable place to live in North Carolina.
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#8 Asheboro
- Median house rent is $1,000 | Rental prices range between $638 and $2,500.
- Median home value of Asheboro is $233,557.
- Cost of living in Asheboro is 19.5% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Asheboro, NC: 28269 | 28277 | 28078
Asheboro is famous for being home to the North Carolina Zoo, one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world. The city boasts excellent outdoor recreational options, including parks and hiking trails. With transportation costs 25.8% lower than the national median, Asheboro is a great choice for affordability. Additionally, the local job market is bolstered by major employers like Honda Aircraft Company.
» Asheboro Homes for Sale: Browse through properties in one of the cheapest places to live in NC.
#9 Burlington
- Median house rent is $1,575 | Rental prices range between $735 and $5,030.
- Median home value of Asheboro is $242,585.
- Cost of living in Asheboro is 16.3% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Asheboro, NC: 28269 | 28277 | 28078
You can comfortably live in this city, with an average household income of $54,941. Known for Alamance County Historical Museum, the city attracts many visitors. The city’s grocery costs are 5% lower than the national average, making it cost-effective for families. Burlington also hosts events like the Burlington Downtown Farmers Market, enriching community life.
» Burlington Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest city to live in NC.
#10 Greenville
- Median house rent is $1,399 | Rental prices range between $550 and $3,300.
- Median home value of Greenville is $234,699.
- Cost of living in Greenville is 14.7% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Greenville, NC: 28269 | 28277 | 28078
Greenville is renowned for its vibrant college town atmosphere, driven by East Carolina University. Residents enjoy various cultural activities and outdoor adventures at Adkin Park. With a growing job market and opportunities Bocoa and Vidant Health are major employers here.
» Greenville Homes for Sale: Get yourself affordable homes in NC.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in North Carolina?
If you want to move to North Carolina, you will find cheap houses for sale in North Carolina under 150K in cities like Lumberton, Henderson, and Kinston. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other North Carolina cities.
Cities like Burlington and Greenville have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in North Carolina.
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» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
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Research Methodology
To rank the top cities in North Carolina, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least expensive place to live in North Carolina?
The cheapest place to live in NC is Lumberton.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in North Carolina: Find out the other cheapest places to live in North Carolina.
Where is the best place to live in North Carolina?
The best place to live in North Carolina is Asheville, followed by Charlotte, Wilmington, Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Winston-Salem.
Is North Carolina cheap to live?
No, it is not. The median home value is $325,800. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Which North Carolina city has the lowest cost of living?
Lumberton has the lowest cost of living, which is 8% and 20.9% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
