When it comes to finding an affordable place to live in North Carolina, the Tar Heel State offers a variety of options that won’t break the bank. From charming small towns to vibrant cities, you can find the perfect spot that suits your budget and lifestyle. Let’s dive into the cheapest places to live in North Carolina, ordered from the most affordable to the priciest, with each city offering unique features that make it stand out.
1. High Point
Average rent: $1,011
High Point boasts an average rent of just $1,011, making it the most affordable city on our list. Studio apartments average $796, one-bedroom units are around $1,056, and two-bedroom apartments come in at $1,180.
Major employers in High Point include Bank of America and High Point University. The university infuses a welcome youthful energy into the towns and places it among the best college towns in North Carolina. For fun, visit the High Point Museum or take a stroll through the beautiful High Point City Lake Park.
Apartments for Rent in High Point | Houses for rent in High Point | Homes for sale in High Point
2. Greenville
Average rent: $1,022
Greenville’s average rent is $1,022, making it a top contender for affordable living. Studio apartments in Greenville average $970, one-bedroom apartments go for $1,025, and two-bedroom units are about $1,072.
East Carolina University and Vidant Medical Center are among the major employers in Greenville. Enjoy free attractions like the Greenville Museum of Art or the South Tar River Greenway for outdoor activities. The city also hosts various free festivals and events throughout the year, providing entertainment options for residents.
Apartments for Rent in Greenville | Houses for rent in Greenville | Homes for sale in Greenville
3. Burlington
Average rent: $1,071
Burlington offers an average rent of $1,071, making it another affordable option in North Carolina. Studio apartments in Burlington average $887, one-bedroom units are about $1,075, and two-bedroom apartments are $1,252. Burlington’s affordable living costs are complemented by low healthcare expenses and reasonable property taxes.
Key employers in Burlington include LabCorp and Alamance Regional Medical Center. The city provides various free and low-cost attractions, such as Cedarock Park and the Alamance Battleground. Additionally, Burlington’s lively downtown area hosts numerous free community events, making it easy to enjoy the city without overspending.
Apartments for Rent in Burlington | Houses for rent in Burlington | Homes for sale in Burlington
4. Winston-Salem
Average rent: $1,074
Winston-Salem offers an average rent of $1,074, making it a great place to find affordable housing. Studio apartments average $930, one-bedroom units are around $1,047, and two-bedroom apartments come in at $1,244.
Wake Forest University is one of the more prominent employers in the area, providing quality jobs and solidifying Winston-Salem’s reputation as one of the best North Carolina College towns. For recreation, visit the Reynolda House Museum of American Art or take a walk along the Salem Lake Trail.
Apartments for Rent in Winston-Salem | Houses for rent in Winston-Salem | Homes for sale in Winston-Salem
5. Rocky Mount
Average rent: $1,085
Rocky Mount has an average rent of $1,085, making it one of the more affordable cities in North Carolina. One-bedroom apartments average $1,020, and two-bedroom units are about $1,150. The overall cost of living is lower due to affordable housing and utility costs, making Rocky Mount a cost-effective choice.
Major employers in Rocky Mount include Pfizer and Nash UNC Health Care. Enjoy the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences or explore the Tar River Trail for outdoor activities.
Apartments for Rent in Rocky Mount | Houses for rent in Rocky Mount | Homes for sale in Rocky Mount
6. Fayetteville
Average rent: $1,186
Fayetteville has an average rent of $1,186, making it a relatively affordable place to live. Studio apartments average $1,229, one-bedroom units are about $1,082, and two-bedroom apartments are $1,247. The city’s affordability is enhanced by low transportation and healthcare costs, helping residents save more.
Fort Liberty and Cape Fear Valley Health System are major employers in Fayetteville. For entertainment, visit the Cape Fear Botanical Garden or explore the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex.
Apartments for Rent in Fayetteville | Houses for rent in Fayetteville | Homes for sale in Fayetteville
7. Concord
Average rent: $1,260
Concord has an average rent of $1,260, making it an affordable choice in the Charlotte area. Studio apartments average $1,024, one-bedroom units are about $1,267, and two-bedroom apartments are $1,488. The cost of living is further reduced by affordable utilities and transportation costs.
Major employers in Concord include Atrium Health and Concord Mills Mall. For entertainment, visit the Cabarrus County Parks or the Concord Museum.
Apartments for Rent in Concord | Houses for rent in Concord | Homes for sale in Concord
8. Gastonia
Average rent: $1,279
Gastonia offers an average rent of $1,279, making it an affordable option in the Charlotte metro area. One-bedroom apartments in Gastonia average $1,162, and two-bedroom units are about $1,395. With lower housing costs compared to Charlotte, Gastonia provides a budget-friendly alternative for renters.
Major employers in Gastonia include CaroMont Health and Gaston County Schools. For recreation, visit the Schiele Museum of Natural History or stroll through Rankin Lake Park.
Apartments for Rent in Gastonia | Houses for rent in Gastonia | Homes for sale in Gastonia
9. Jacksonville
Average rent: $1,282
Jacksonville’s average rent is $1,282, making it a reasonably priced place to live. Studio apartments average $1,249, one-bedroom units are about $1,222, and two-bedroom apartments come in at $1,374. The city’s affordability is further highlighted by low transportation costs and affordable groceries.
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Onslow Memorial Hospital are major employers in Jacksonville. For free attractions, visit the Beirut Memorial or the Lejeune Memorial Gardens.
Apartments for Rent in Jacksonville | Houses for rent in Jacksonville | Homes for sale in Jacksonville
10. Mooresville
Average rent: $1,429
Mooresville’s average rent is $1,429, making it a cost-effective place to live. One-bedroom apartments average $1,324, and two-bedroom units are about $1,534.
Major employers in Mooresville include Lowe’s and Lake Norman Regional Medical Center. For recreation, visit the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame or enjoy Lake Norman State Park.
Apartments for Rent in Mooresville | Houses for rent in Mooresville | Homes for sale in Mooresville
Methodology
All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have an average rent price under the median rent price for the state – which is $1,439 per month according to Redfin data. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2024.
