Cost of Living in Carolina Shores, NC
Population 4,843 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 66, Carolina Shores functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $276,000 for a typical home — anchor most household budgets, and the state's treatment of pension income tends to matter more than wage-driven tax comparisons.
Carolina Shores is about 45 miles southwest of Wilmington, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Wilmington's $350,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carolina Shores
The median home value in Carolina Shores is $276,000 — 10% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,948/month, 48% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,310/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 72.7°F and lows of 55.3°F. Overall, Carolina Shores has a cost of living index of 114 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% more expensive.
Carolina Shores 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 | 56 | 58 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 85 | 88 | 87 | 83 | 76 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 37 | 40 | 45 | 53 | 62 | 70 | 74 | 73 | 68 | 56 | 46 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.01 | 3.18 | 3.59 | 2.77 | 2.96 | 4.07 | 5.40 | 6.25 | 6.65 | 4.20 | 3.29 | 3.10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carolina Shores, NC?
Carolina Shores has a cost index of 114 (100 = national average). It is 14% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carolina Shores, NC?
The median gross rent in Carolina Shores is $1,948 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carolina Shores?
The median home value in Carolina Shores is $276,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carolina Shores?
The median household income in Carolina Shores is $74,310 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carolina Shores, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carolina Shores is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Carolina Shores, NC affordable?
Carolina Shores is above average in cost of living, with an index of 114 — about 14% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Carolina Shores?
Carolina Shores has average high temperatures of 72.7°F and average lows of 55.3°F. Annual precipitation is 48.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Carolina Shores at a Glance
- Population
- 4,843
- Median Income
- $74,310
- Home Value
- $276,000
- Median Rent
- $1,948/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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