Smithfield, NC vs Southport, NC

The cost of living difference between Smithfield, NC and Southport, NC is dramatic. Smithfield is 36.1% cheaper than Southport, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Smithfield has a cost index of 70 while Southport sits at 110, 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 Smithfield is $601/month compared to $1,468/month in Southport — a 59% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Smithfield is more affordable at $217,000 median vs $394,900.

Median household income in Smithfield is $37,827 compared to $82,792 in Southport (-54.3%). While Southport is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Smithfield spend roughly 19.1% of their income on rent, less than the 21.3% in Southport.