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Kernersville, NC vs Smithfield, NC

86
Kernersville
North Carolina
VS
+21.5%
70
Smithfield
North Carolina

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Smithfield is 21.5% cheaper than Kernersville. With a cost index of 70 vs 86, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Smithfield to Kernersville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Kernersville is $1,052/month compared to $601/month in Smithfield — a 75% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Smithfield is more affordable at $217,000 median vs $264,000.

Median household income in Kernersville is $69,923 compared to $37,827 in Smithfield (+84.8%). While Kernersville is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Kernersville spend roughly 18.1% of their income on rent, less than the 19.1% in Smithfield.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Kernersville
86
Smithfield
70
18% cheaper
Median Household Income
Kernersville
$69,923
46% higher
Smithfield
$37,827

Housing

Median Rent
Kernersville
$1,052
Smithfield
$601
43% cheaper
Median Home Value
Kernersville
$264,000
Smithfield
$217,000
18% cheaper
Population
Kernersville
27,439
Smithfield
11,798

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Kernersville $2.97
Smithfield $2.97
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Kernersville $2.42
Smithfield $2.42
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Kernersville $3.90
Smithfield $3.90
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Kernersville $1.79
Smithfield $1.79
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Kernersville $4.01
Smithfield $4.01
US $4.14
Electricity
Kernersville $0.16
Smithfield $0.16
US $0.19