Cost of Living in Pembroke, NC

With a cost of living index of 64, Pembroke, NC is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 36% cheaper than the national average and 21% below the North Carolina state average of 84. Pembroke is a small community of 2,823 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Pembroke's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $700 (47% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $114,700 (62% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Pembroke is $22,940, which is 69% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 37% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. 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.