The Best and Worst Cities in North Carolina for Your Finances
Written by
Chris Adam
Edited by
T. Woods
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North Carolina is a state known for its beautiful landscapes, great barbecue and an affordable cost of living. In addition to affordable home prices, the state has a relatively low sales tax of 4.75%.
So what are some of the best and worst cities in North Carolina for your finances? In a recent study, GOBankingRates found the cities in each state where you are most likely and least likely to live paycheck to paycheck. The averages are based on cost of expenditures, mortgage payments, cost of living and median household income.
Best City
Summerfield is the city in North Carolina where you’re least likely to live paycheck to paycheck, with average leftover savings of more than $91,000. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Average annual cost of expenditures: $22,241
- Average annual mortgage: $34,932
- Average annual cost of living: $57,173
- Household median income: $148,182
- Leftover savings: $91,009
Worst City
Denver is the city in North Carolina where you’re most likely to live paycheck to paycheck. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Average annual cost of expenditures: $25,101
- Average annual mortgage: $39,366
- Average annual cost of living: $64,467
- Household median income: $65,577
- Leftover savings: $1,110
Affordable Areas
If you’re looking for other affordable areas of North Carolina, check out Roanoke Rapids. It’s listed by the Mortgage Research Center as the most affordable housing market in the state, with home prices just north of $100,000. “At just 90 minutes from Raleigh, this town offers a slower pace of life without being too remote,” according to the Center.
Other affordable housing markets in the state include Rockingham, Eden, Kinston and Clinton.
Expensive Areas
You may want to avoid Chapel Hill if you’re looking for a cheaper place to live. According to Raleigh Realty Homes, it’s among the most expensive cities in North Carolina.
Other cities making the list of most expensive in the state include Boone, Asheville, Wilmington and Cashiers.
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