Cost of Living in Black Mountain, NC
Population 8,462 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The median resident in Black Mountain is 61 years old, well past the national midpoint, giving the city the retail and service mix of a retirement-dominant market. Household-income figures here read differently than in working-age cities: retirement and investment income weigh heavily in the totals.
Black Mountain lies roughly 90 miles west of the nearest major metro, Charlotte — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Charlotte's $352,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Black Mountain
The median home value in Black Mountain is $351,700 — 15% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,334/month, 2% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,041/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, 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, Black Mountain has a cost of living index of 110 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% more expensive.
Black Mountain 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 | 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Black Mountain, NC?
Black Mountain has a cost index of 110 (100 = national average). It is 10% above the national average.
What is average rent in Black Mountain, NC?
The median gross rent in Black Mountain is $1,334 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Black Mountain?
The median home value in Black Mountain is $351,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Black Mountain?
The median household income in Black Mountain is $70,041 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Black Mountain, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Black Mountain is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Black Mountain, NC affordable?
Black Mountain is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 110 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Black Mountain?
Black Mountain 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.
Black Mountain at a Glance
- Population
- 8,462
- Median Income
- $70,041
- Home Value
- $351,700
- Median Rent
- $1,334/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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