Cost of Living in Carolina Shores, NC

With a cost of living index of 115, Carolina Shores, NC is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 15% more expensive than the national average and 31% above the North Carolina state average of 84. Carolina Shores is a small community of 4,843 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Carolina Shores's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,948 (48% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $276,000 (9% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.7x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Carolina Shores is $74,310, which is 1% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 31% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened.

Everyday prices in the Wilmington, 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.