Cost of Living in Belhaven, NC

With a cost of living index of 67, Belhaven, NC is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 33% cheaper than the national average and 17% below the North Carolina state average of 84. Belhaven is a small community of 1,421 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Belhaven's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $859 (35% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $98,200 (68% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Belhaven is $33,958, which is 55% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 30% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.