Cost of Living in Earl, NC

With a cost of living index of 75, Earl, NC is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 25% cheaper than the national average and 10% below the North Carolina state average of 84. Earl is a small community of 367 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Earl's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $937 (29% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $160,900 (47% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.8x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Earl is $42,287, which is 44% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% 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.