Selma, NC vs Spruce Pine, NC

Selma, NC and Spruce Pine, NC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Selma scores 73 while Spruce Pine scores 72 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 Selma is $824/month compared to $735/month in Spruce Pine — a 12% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Spruce Pine has cheaper rent, Selma actually has lower median home values ($161,100 vs $202,300).

Median household income in Selma is $37,440 compared to $47,583 in Spruce Pine (-21.3%). Spruce Pine offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Selma spend roughly 26.4% of their income on rent, more than the 18.5% in Spruce Pine.