Beaufort, NC vs Smithfield, NC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Smithfield is 21.1% cheaper than Beaufort. With a cost index of 70 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Smithfield to Beaufort should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Beaufort is $862/month compared to $601/month in Smithfield — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Smithfield is more affordable at $217,000 median vs $319,700.

Median household income in Beaufort is $48,111 compared to $37,827 in Smithfield (+27.2%). While Beaufort is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Beaufort spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 19.1% in Smithfield.