Lincolnton, NC vs New Bern, NC

Lincolnton, NC and New Bern, NC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.8% difference in their overall index. Lincolnton scores 80 while New Bern scores 83 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 Lincolnton is $920/month compared to $1,068/month in New Bern — a 14% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Lincolnton has cheaper rent, New Bern actually has lower median home values ($211,500 vs $224,600).

Median household income in Lincolnton is $43,294 compared to $56,893 in New Bern (-23.9%). While New Bern is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lincolnton spend roughly 25.5% of their income on rent, more than the 22.5% in New Bern.