Elizabeth City, NC vs Hickory, NC

Elizabeth City, NC and Hickory, NC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4% difference in their overall index. Elizabeth City scores 84 while Hickory scores 81 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elizabeth City is $1,111/month compared to $975/month in Hickory — a 14% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Hickory has cheaper rent, Elizabeth City actually has lower median home values ($202,100 vs $248,300).

Median household income in Elizabeth City is $50,947 compared to $63,361 in Hickory (-19.6%). Hickory offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Elizabeth City spend roughly 26.2% of their income on rent, more than the 18.5% in Hickory.