Cost of Living in Benson, NC
Population 4,144 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Benson can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $176,000 against $65,614 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. At 9.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 30 miles south of Raleigh, Benson falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 53% lower than Raleigh's $378,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Benson
The median home value in Benson is $176,000 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $978/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,614/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.8%, 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 73.6°F and lows of 53.1°F, with about 2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Benson has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.
Benson 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 | 54 | 58 | 65 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 75 | 66 | 57 |
| Low °F | 35 | 36 | 43 | 51 | 60 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 66 | 54 | 43 | 37 |
| Precip" | 3.55 | 3.24 | 4.22 | 3.90 | 3.52 | 4.40 | 5.42 | 6.42 | 7.03 | 3.79 | 3.17 | 3.60 |
| Snow" | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Benson, NC?
Benson has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Benson, NC?
The median gross rent in Benson is $978 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Benson?
The median home value in Benson is $176,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Benson?
The median household income in Benson is $65,614 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Benson, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Benson is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Benson, NC affordable?
Yes, Benson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Benson?
Benson has average high temperatures of 73.6°F and average lows of 53.1°F. Annual precipitation is 52.3". Average annual snowfall is 2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Benson at a Glance
- Population
- 4,144
- Median Income
- $65,614
- Home Value
- $176,000
- Median Rent
- $978/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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