Kinston, NC vs Rocky Mount, NC

Kinston is moderately more affordable than Rocky Mount, with a 5.9% lower cost of living index. Kinston scores 67 compared to 71 for Rocky Mount, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Rocky Mount can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Kinston is $822/month compared to $919/month in Rocky Mount — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kinston is more affordable at $108,300 median vs $148,300.

Median household income in Kinston is $35,250 compared to $52,927 in Rocky Mount (-33.4%). While Rocky Mount is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Kinston spend roughly 28% of their income on rent, more than the 20.8% in Rocky Mount.