Cost of Living in St. James, NC

With a cost of living index of 151, St. James, NC is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 51% more expensive than the national average and 67% above the North Carolina state average of 84. St. James is a smaller community of 6,901 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in St. James's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,258 (71% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $599,300 (97% 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 St. James is $113,670, which is 51% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% 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 do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Everyday prices in the Wilmington, 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.