Cost of Living in Carolina Beach, NC
Population 6,665 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Carolina Beach a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $488,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Carolina Beach sits roughly 12 miles south of Wilmington — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 39% higher than Wilmington's $350,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carolina Beach
The median home value in Carolina Beach is $487,800 — 60% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,544/month, 18% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $88,239/year is 18% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.0%, 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 74.4°F and lows of 54.4°F. Overall, Carolina Beach has a cost of living index of 143 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% more expensive.
Carolina Beach 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 | 57 | 60 | 67 | 75 | 81 | 87 | 90 | 88 | 84 | 76 | 67 | 60 |
| Low °F | 36 | 38 | 44 | 53 | 61 | 69 | 73 | 72 | 67 | 56 | 45 | 39 |
| Precip" | 3.81 | 3.47 | 3.97 | 3.07 | 4.54 | 5.67 | 6.86 | 8.16 | 8.69 | 4.66 | 3.56 | 3.69 |
| Snow" | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carolina Beach, NC?
Carolina Beach has a cost index of 143 (100 = national average). It is 43% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carolina Beach, NC?
The median gross rent in Carolina Beach is $1,544 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carolina Beach?
The median home value in Carolina Beach is $487,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carolina Beach?
The median household income in Carolina Beach is $88,239 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carolina Beach, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carolina Beach is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Carolina Beach, NC affordable?
Carolina Beach is above average in cost of living, with an index of 143 — about 43% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Carolina Beach?
Carolina Beach has average high temperatures of 74.4°F and average lows of 54.4°F. Annual precipitation is 60.1". Average annual snowfall is 0.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Carolina Beach at a Glance
- Population
- 6,665
- Median Income
- $88,239
- Home Value
- $487,800
- Median Rent
- $1,544/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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