Boone, NC vs Oak Ridge, NC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Boone is 16.6% cheaper than Oak Ridge. With a cost index of 96 vs 115, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Boone to Oak Ridge should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

When it comes to buying, median home values in Boone are $373,600 compared to $523,500 in Oak Ridge, a 29% gap.

Median household income in Boone is $28,633 compared to $140,583 in Oak Ridge (-79.6%). While Oak Ridge is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income.