Regional Price Parity, all items
94.3
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Housing price parity (rents)
81.4
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Utilities price parity
88.6
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Goods price parity
96.6
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Medical care price index (South region)
544.6
2025 · BLS CPI-U medical care
Regular gasoline price
$3.96 per gallon
Week of 2026-10-05 · U.S. EIA weekly retail price
Cost of living index
95.7
U.S. avg = 100
Housing cost index
90
Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2000–202395.7▼ 1%
U.S. average = 100 (MERIC / BEA RPP).
Cost of Living Index
Composite cost index.
Regional Price Parity, all items
94.3
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Rank
21st cheapest
Trend
Rising
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–202494.3▲ 2%
BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | North Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 94.3 | 100 |
- •North Carolina's cost of living has climbed toward the national average as Charlotte and Raleigh housing prices surged.
Housing Costs
Housing component of the index.
Housing price parity (rents)
81.4
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Median rent
$1,320
Median home value
$322,000
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–202481.4▲ 10%
BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | North Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 81.4 | 100 |
Utility Costs
Energy and utility spending.
Utilities price parity
88.6
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Electricity price per kWh (South region)
$0.155 per kWh
2024 · BLS Average Price Data
Avg. electricity bill
$132 /mo
Summer cooling
Mostly electricity
Utilities price parity
2008–202488.6▲ 4%
BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (South region)
1979–2024$0.155▲ 260%
BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU030072610).
| Indicator | North Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 88.6 | 100 |
Food Costs
Grocery spending.
Goods price parity
96.6
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Monthly grocery spend
$435 /person
Trend
At the U.S. average
Goods price parity
2008–202496.6▲ 0%
BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (South region)
2006–2025335.2▲ 73%
BLS CPI-U food, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAF1).
| Indicator | North Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 96.6 | 100 |
Healthcare Costs
Medical spending.
Medical care price index (South region)
544.6
2025 · BLS CPI-U medical care
Avg. annual premium
$8,150
Doctor visit
$125
Medical care price index (South region)
2006–2025544.6▲ 69%
BLS CPI-U medical care, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAM).
Transportation Costs
Cost of getting around.
Regular gasoline price
$3.96 per gallon
Week of 2026-10-05 · U.S. EIA weekly retail price
Avg. auto insurance
$1,390 /yr
Regular gasoline price
1994–2025$2.89▲ 181%
U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Lower Atlantic region (PADD 1C), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R1Z_DPG).
| Indicator | North Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $3.96 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •North Carolina has some of the cheapest car insurance in the country thanks to its rate-bureau system.
More figures
Utilities index
99
Food & groceries index
100
Healthcare index
103
Transportation index
93
Avg. electricity bill
$132 /mo