Dana, NC vs Highlands, NC

The cost of living difference between Dana, NC and Highlands, NC is dramatic. Dana is 30.7% cheaper than Highlands, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dana has a cost index of 80 while Highlands sits at 115, 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 Dana is $901/month compared to $905/month in Highlands — a 0% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dana is more affordable at $223,400 median vs $666,300.

Median household income in Dana is $55,801 compared to $63,750 in Highlands (-12.5%). Highlands does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Dana spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, more than the 17% in Highlands.