Hickory, NC vs High Point, NC

Hickory, NC and High Point, NC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Hickory scores 81 while High Point scores 82 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 Hickory is $975/month compared to $1,062/month in High Point — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Hickory has cheaper rent, High Point actually has lower median home values ($212,400 vs $248,300).

Median household income in Hickory is $63,361 compared to $61,228 in High Point (+3.5%). 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 Hickory spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, less than the 20.8% in High Point.