Belmont, NC vs Hickory, NC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hickory is 24.8% cheaper than Belmont. With a cost index of 81 vs 101, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hickory to Belmont should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Belmont is $1,274/month compared to $975/month in Hickory — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hickory is more affordable at $248,300 median vs $349,700.

Median household income in Belmont is $86,442 compared to $63,361 in Hickory (+36.4%). While Belmont is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Belmont spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, less than the 18.5% in Hickory.