Cost of Living in Briar Chapel, NC

Population 6,084 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

190
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Briar Chapel sits on the smaller end of the North Carolina city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Briar Chapel sits roughly 15 miles southwest of Durham — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 43% higher than Durham's $355,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 167
Rent 224

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Briar Chapel

The median home value in Briar Chapel is $508,300 — 67% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,941/month, 124% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $154,583/year is 107% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.1%, 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 71.2°F and lows of 49.9°F. Overall, Briar Chapel has a cost of living index of 190 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 90% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$508,300
67% above avg
Median Rent
$2,941/mo
124% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.4x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$826
1 BR
$860
2 BR
$1,049
3 BR
$1,384
4 BR
$1,637
Owner-occupied 94.2%
Renter-occupied 5.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,941
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,555/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.2 min
8% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
36.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
57.3%
Carpooled
4.8%
Public transit
0.4%
Work from home
36.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 4.8%
Avg local rate 2.2%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$154,583
107% above avg
Per Capita Income
$66,204
Unemployment Rate
8.1%
69% above avg
Poverty Rate
0.5%
Labor Force Participation
65.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 35.7%
Graduate degree 43.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.3
Male median age 38.3
Female median age 39.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.2°F
Avg Low
49.9°F
Annual Precip
43.6"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 515563727986908882726254
Low °F 323440485765696862504035
Precip" 3.392.753.943.563.464.364.133.814.413.203.203.35

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Briar Chapel, NC?

Briar Chapel has a cost index of 190 (100 = national average). It is 90% above the national average.

What is average rent in Briar Chapel, NC?

The median gross rent in Briar Chapel is $2,941 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Briar Chapel?

The median home value in Briar Chapel is $508,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Briar Chapel?

The median household income in Briar Chapel is $154,583 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Briar Chapel, NC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Briar Chapel is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.

Is Briar Chapel, NC affordable?

Briar Chapel is above average in cost of living, with an index of 190 — about 90% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Briar Chapel?

Briar Chapel has average high temperatures of 71.2°F and average lows of 49.9°F. Annual precipitation is 43.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Briar Chapel at a Glance

Population
6,084
Median Income
$154,583
Home Value
$508,300
Median Rent
$2,941/mo
Unemployment
8.1%
Avg High Temp
71.2°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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🗺️ County data for North Carolina

Explore county-level cost of living data

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