Cost of Living in Beaufort, NC
Population 4,613 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Beaufort run well below national norms — a median of $48,111 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs and rents do not fully compensate for the earnings difference. At 6.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Beaufort lies roughly 80 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Wilmington — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than Wilmington's $350,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Beaufort
The median home value in Beaufort is $319,700 — 5% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $862/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,111/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, above 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 71.7°F and lows of 55.9°F. Overall, Beaufort has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.
Beaufort has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 55 | 57 | 63 | 70 | 78 | 84 | 87 | 86 | 82 | 75 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 38 | 39 | 45 | 54 | 63 | 71 | 74 | 73 | 68 | 57 | 47 | 41 |
| Precip" | 4.17 | 3.33 | 3.31 | 3.39 | 3.94 | 4.06 | 5.81 | 7.29 | 8.46 | 4.14 | 3.99 | 3.79 |
💨 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 Beaufort, NC?
Beaufort has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in Beaufort, NC?
The median gross rent in Beaufort is $862 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Beaufort?
The median home value in Beaufort is $319,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Beaufort?
The median household income in Beaufort is $48,111 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Beaufort, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Beaufort is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Beaufort, NC affordable?
Yes, Beaufort is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Beaufort?
Beaufort has average high temperatures of 71.7°F and average lows of 55.9°F. Annual precipitation is 55.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Beaufort at a Glance
- Population
- 4,613
- Median Income
- $48,111
- Home Value
- $319,700
- Median Rent
- $862/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs