Highlands, NC vs Lowesville, NC

Highlands, NC and Lowesville, NC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.6% difference in their overall index. Highlands scores 115 while Lowesville scores 113 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 Highlands is $905/month compared to $1,578/month in Lowesville — a 43% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Highlands has cheaper rent, Lowesville actually has lower median home values ($381,600 vs $666,300).

Median household income in Highlands is $63,750 compared to $117,835 in Lowesville (-45.9%). Lowesville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Highlands spend roughly 17% of their income on rent, more than the 16.1% in Lowesville.