Hampstead, NC vs Plymouth, NC

The cost of living difference between Hampstead, NC and Plymouth, NC is dramatic. Plymouth is 57.6% cheaper than Hampstead, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hampstead has a cost index of 102 while Plymouth sits at 65, 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 Hampstead is $1,189/month compared to $819/month in Plymouth — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Plymouth is more affordable at $83,900 median vs $395,900.

Median household income in Hampstead is $90,184 compared to $30,462 in Plymouth (+196.1%). While Hampstead is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hampstead spend roughly 15.8% of their income on rent, less than the 32.3% in Plymouth. The Hampstead ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.