Brunswick, NC vs Fairfield Harbour, NC

The cost of living difference between Brunswick, NC and Fairfield Harbour, NC is dramatic. Brunswick is 38% cheaper than Fairfield Harbour, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brunswick has a cost index of 63 while Fairfield Harbour sits at 102, 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 Brunswick is $773/month compared to $1,527/month in Fairfield Harbour — a 49% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brunswick is more affordable at $83,900 median vs $278,800.

Median household income in Brunswick is $28,542 compared to $69,661 in Fairfield Harbour (-59%). While Fairfield Harbour is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Brunswick spend roughly 32.5% of their income on rent, more than the 26.3% in Fairfield Harbour. The Fairfield Harbour ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.