Cost of Living in Hertford, NC

With a cost of living index of 67, Hertford, NC is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 33% cheaper than the national average and 18% below the North Carolina state average of 84. Hertford is a small community of 1,703 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hertford's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $634 (52% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $178,600 (41% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Hertford is $40,096, which is 47% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. 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.