North Carolina offers a variety of living options, from vibrant cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte to charming mountain towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains and coastal escapes along the Outer Banks. If you’re considering a move to North Carolina, you likely have a budget in mind. The median home sale price in the state is $367,500. However, if that price is out of reach, don’t worry – there are affordable options available. Redfin has compiled a list of the top 10 most affordable places to live in North Carolina, all with median home sale prices below $367,500. Let’s explore these budget-friendly cities.
#1: Rocky Mount
Median home price: $175,000
Average sale price per square foot: $117
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,260
Median household income: $46,396
Nearest major metro: Raleigh (60 miles)
Rocky Mount, NC homes for sale
Rocky Mount, NC apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $175,000, Rocky Mount tops our list as the most affordable city in North Carolina. This mid-sized city is home to about 54,400 residents and offers a charming community with attractions like the historic Rocky Mount Mills, Bridge Tar River Trail, and The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences museum.
#2: Fayetteville
Median home price: $223,750
Average sale price per square foot: $146
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,050
Median household income: $48,923
Nearest major metro: Raleigh (60 miles)
Fayetteville, NC homes for sale
Fayetteville, NC apartments for rent
Fayetteville ranks as the second most affordable city in North Carolina, with a median home price of $223,750. This city of 208,500 residents offers attractions like Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Airborne & Special Operations Museum, and Historic Downtown Fayetteville.
#3: Jacksonville
Median home price: $230,000
Average sale price per square foot: $154
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,150
Median household income: $47,483
Nearest major metro: Wilmington (45 miles)
Jacksonville, NC homes for sale
Jacksonville, NC apartments for rent
Jacksonville, with a median home price of $230,000, is the third most affordable city in North Carolina. This inland city of about 72,700 residents offers attractions like Wilson Bay Park, Onslow Pines Park, and a variety of local restaurants.
#4: Burlington
Median home price: $250,000
Average sale price per square foot: $170
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,090
Median household income: $48,923
Nearest major metro: Greensboro (25 miles)
Burlington, NC homes for sale
Burlington, NC apartments for rent
Burlington, with a median home price of $250,000, is a great affordable city located between Greensboro and Durham. With a population of 57,300, this town offers attractions like Alamance Battleground State Historic Site, downtown Burlington, and Burlington City Park Amusement Area.
#5: High Point
Median home price: $252,000
Average sale price per square foot: $162
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,092
Median household income: $54,331
Nearest major metro: Greensboro (18 miles)
High Point, NC homes for sale
High Point, NC apartments for rent
High Point, with a median home price of $252,000, is another affordable city in North Carolina. With a population of 114,600, this city offers attractions like Oak Hollow Lake, World’s Largest Chest of Drawers, and Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum.
#6: Greenville
Median home price: $255,500
Average sale price per square foot: $145
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,117
Median household income: $48,923
Nearest major metro: Raleigh (80 miles)
Greenville, NC homes for sale
Greenville, NC apartments for rent
Greenville, with a median home price of $255,500, offers a slightly higher cost of living compared to other cities. With attractions like Uptown District, River Park North, and East Carolina University campus, Greenville provides a vibrant living experience.
#7: Greensboro
Median home price: $277,000
Average sale price per square foot: $176
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,089
Median household income: $51,667
Greensboro, NC homes for sale
Greensboro, NC apartments for rent
Greensboro, with a median home price of $277,000, is a mid-sized city with a population of about 299,000. Attractions like Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro Historical Museum, Weatherspoon Art Museum, and Bog Garden provide cultural and recreational opportunities for residents.
#8: Gastonia (tie)
Median home price: $280,000
Average sale price per square foot: $170
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,262