Elizabeth City, NC vs Monroe, NC

Elizabeth City is moderately more affordable than Monroe, with a 9.3% lower cost of living index. Elizabeth City scores 84 compared to 93 for Monroe, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Monroe can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Elizabeth City is $1,111/month compared to $1,216/month in Monroe — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elizabeth City is more affordable at $202,100 median vs $270,600.

Median household income in Elizabeth City is $50,947 compared to $67,265 in Monroe (-24.3%). While Monroe is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elizabeth City spend roughly 26.2% of their income on rent, more than the 21.7% in Monroe.