Jefferson, NC vs Old Fort, NC

Jefferson, NC and Old Fort, NC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.2% difference in their overall index. Jefferson scores 69 while Old Fort scores 66 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 Jefferson is $688/month compared to $771/month in Old Fort — a 11% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Jefferson has cheaper rent, Old Fort actually has lower median home values ($121,400 vs $186,300).

Median household income in Jefferson is $35,938 compared to $50,357 in Old Fort (-28.6%). Old Fort offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Jefferson spend roughly 23% of their income on rent, more than the 18.4% in Old Fort.