Tarboro, NC vs Wilkesboro, NC

Tarboro is moderately more affordable than Wilkesboro, with a 8.4% lower cost of living index. Tarboro scores 65 compared to 71 for Wilkesboro, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Wilkesboro can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Tarboro is $698/month compared to $713/month in Wilkesboro — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Tarboro is more affordable at $155,500 median vs $197,600.

Median household income in Tarboro is $49,386 compared to $41,175 in Wilkesboro (+19.9%). Tarboro offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Tarboro spend roughly 17% of their income on rent, less than the 20.8% in Wilkesboro.