Matthews, NC vs Tarboro, NC

The cost of living difference between Matthews, NC and Tarboro, NC is dramatic. Tarboro is 82.1% cheaper than Matthews, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Matthews has a cost index of 118 while Tarboro sits at 65, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Matthews is $1,670/month compared to $698/month in Tarboro — a 139% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Tarboro is more affordable at $155,500 median vs $406,800.

Median household income in Matthews is $105,579 compared to $49,386 in Tarboro (+113.8%). While Matthews is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Matthews spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, more than the 17% in Tarboro.