Cost of Living in Southern Shores, NC

With a cost of living index of 145, Southern Shores, NC is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 45% more expensive than the national average and 61% above the North Carolina state average of 84. Southern Shores is a small community of 3,119 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Southern Shores's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,018 (53% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $621,100 (104% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.3x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Southern Shores is $116,859, which is 56% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% 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.

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.