Cost of Living in Bessemer City, NC
Population 5,508 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Bessemer City is a smaller North Carolina community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $48,784 and housing costs ($173,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Bessemer City is about 25 miles west of Charlotte, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 51% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bessemer City
The median home value in Bessemer City is $173,000 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $942/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,784/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, 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 73.0°F and lows of 51.3°F. Overall, Bessemer City has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.
Bessemer City 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 | 53 | 58 | 65 | 74 | 81 | 88 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 74 | 64 | 56 |
| Low °F | 33 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 58 | 67 | 70 | 69 | 63 | 51 | 41 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.34 | 3.28 | 3.94 | 3.88 | 3.46 | 4.21 | 3.47 | 3.95 | 3.75 | 3.29 | 3.30 | 3.44 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bessemer City, NC?
Bessemer City has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bessemer City, NC?
The median gross rent in Bessemer City is $942 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bessemer City?
The median home value in Bessemer City is $173,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bessemer City?
The median household income in Bessemer City is $48,784 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bessemer City, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bessemer City is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Bessemer City, NC affordable?
Yes, Bessemer City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bessemer City?
Bessemer City has average high temperatures of 73.0°F and average lows of 51.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bessemer City at a Glance
- Population
- 5,508
- Median Income
- $48,784
- Home Value
- $173,000
- Median Rent
- $942/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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