Buxton, NC vs Surf City, NC

Buxton is moderately more affordable than Surf City, with a 9.3% lower cost of living index. Buxton scores 104 compared to 114 for Surf City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Surf City can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Buxton is $1,295/month compared to $1,421/month in Surf City — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Buxton is more affordable at $385,400 median vs $478,600.

Median household income in Buxton is $67,054 compared to $84,833 in Surf City (-21%). While Surf City is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Buxton spend roughly 23.2% of their income on rent, more than the 20.1% in Surf City.