Cost of Living in Cape Carteret, NC

With a cost of living index of 114, Cape Carteret, NC is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 14% more expensive than the national average and 29% above the North Carolina state average of 84. Cape Carteret is a small community of 2,598 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Cape Carteret's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,755 (33% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $347,500 (14% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Cape Carteret is $75,313, which is 0% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Everyday prices in the Jacksonville, NC (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

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.