Smithfield, NC vs Whiteville, NC

Smithfield, NC and Whiteville, NC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.2% difference in their overall index. Smithfield scores 70 while Whiteville scores 69 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 Smithfield is $601/month compared to $718/month in Whiteville — a 16% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Smithfield has cheaper rent, Whiteville actually has lower median home values ($173,100 vs $217,000).

Median household income in Smithfield is $37,827 compared to $38,004 in Whiteville (-0.5%). Whiteville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Smithfield spend roughly 19.1% of their income on rent, less than the 22.7% in Whiteville.