Boone, NC vs Selma, NC

The cost of living difference between Boone, NC and Selma, NC is dramatic. Selma is 32.6% cheaper than Boone, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Boone has a cost index of 96 while Selma sits at 73, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Boone is $1,080/month compared to $824/month in Selma — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Selma is more affordable at $161,100 median vs $373,600.

Median household income in Boone is $28,633 compared to $37,440 in Selma (-23.5%). Selma offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Boone spend roughly 45.3% of their income on rent, more than the 26.4% in Selma. The Selma ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.