Cost of Living in Pinehurst, NC

With a cost of living index of 121, Pinehurst, NC is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 21% more expensive than the national average and 37% above the North Carolina state average of 84. Pinehurst is a smaller community of 17,992 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Pinehurst's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,790 (36% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $423,300 (39% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Pinehurst is $104,955, which is 40% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Everyday prices in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines, 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.