Graham, NC vs Swannanoa, NC

Graham, NC and Swannanoa, NC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.2% difference in their overall index. Graham scores 79 while Swannanoa scores 77 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 Graham is $990/month compared to $692/month in Swannanoa — a 43% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Swannanoa has cheaper rent, Graham actually has lower median home values ($200,600 vs $270,800).

Median household income in Graham is $54,783 compared to $72,978 in Swannanoa (-24.9%). Swannanoa offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Graham spend roughly 21.7% of their income on rent, more than the 11.4% in Swannanoa.