Glen Alpine, NC vs North Topsail Beach, NC

The cost of living difference between Glen Alpine, NC and North Topsail Beach, NC is dramatic. Glen Alpine is 32.8% cheaper than North Topsail Beach, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Glen Alpine has a cost index of 71 while North Topsail Beach sits at 106, 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 Glen Alpine is $847/month compared to $1,208/month in North Topsail Beach — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Glen Alpine is more affordable at $173,200 median vs $453,500.

Median household income in Glen Alpine is $62,917 compared to $106,818 in North Topsail Beach (-41.1%). While North Topsail Beach is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Glen Alpine spend roughly 16.2% of their income on rent, more than the 13.6% in North Topsail Beach.