Cost of Living in Asheville, NC
Population 94,369 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Asheville lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $411,000 — 35% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in North Carolina.
Geographically, Asheville lies roughly 85 miles east of the nearest major metro, Knoxville. Median home values run roughly 92% higher than Knoxville's $214,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Asheville
The median home value in Asheville is $411,000 — 35% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,303/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,221/year is 10% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 67.8°F and lows of 46.8°F, with about 11.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Asheville has a cost of living index of 121 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48 | 52 | 59 | 69 | 76 | 83 | 86 | 85 | 79 | 69 | 59 | 51 |
| Low °F | 29 | 32 | 38 | 46 | 54 | 61 | 65 | 64 | 58 | 47 | 37 | 32 |
| Precip" | 3.28 | 2.88 | 3.53 | 3.69 | 3.48 | 3.42 | 4.13 | 3.60 | 3.67 | 2.60 | 3.05 | 3.28 |
| Snow" | 3.8 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 2.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Asheville, NC?
Asheville has a cost index of 121 (100 = national average). It is 21% above the national average.
What is average rent in Asheville, NC?
The median gross rent in Asheville is $1,303 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Asheville?
The median home value in Asheville is $411,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Asheville?
The median household income in Asheville is $67,221 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Asheville, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Asheville is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Asheville, NC affordable?
Asheville is above average in cost of living, with an index of 121 — about 21% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Asheville?
Asheville has average high temperatures of 67.8°F and average lows of 46.8°F. Annual precipitation is 40.6". Average annual snowfall is 11.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Asheville at a Glance
- Population
- 94,369
- Median Income
- $67,221
- Home Value
- $411,000
- Median Rent
- $1,303/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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