Cost of Living in Kinston, NC

With a cost of living index of 67, Kinston, 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. Kinston is a smaller community of 19,576 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Kinston's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $822 (38% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $108,300 (64% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.1x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Kinston is $35,250, which is 53% lower 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. 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.