Cost of Living in Carrboro, NC
Population 21,170 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Carrboro 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.
Located 11 miles west of Durham, Carrboro falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 43% higher than Durham's $355,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carrboro
The median home value in Carrboro is $507,100 — 66% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,337/month, 2% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,927/year is 15% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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 71.2°F and lows of 49.9°F. Overall, Carrboro has a cost of living index of 140 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 51 | 55 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 86 | 90 | 88 | 82 | 72 | 62 | 54 |
| Low °F | 32 | 34 | 40 | 48 | 57 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 62 | 50 | 40 | 35 |
| Precip" | 3.39 | 2.75 | 3.94 | 3.56 | 3.46 | 4.36 | 4.13 | 3.81 | 4.41 | 3.20 | 3.20 | 3.35 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carrboro, NC?
Carrboro has a cost index of 140 (100 = national average). It is 40% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carrboro, NC?
The median gross rent in Carrboro is $1,337 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carrboro?
The median home value in Carrboro is $507,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carrboro?
The median household income in Carrboro is $85,927 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carrboro, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carrboro is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Carrboro, NC affordable?
Carrboro is above average in cost of living, with an index of 140 — about 40% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Carrboro?
Carrboro 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.
Carrboro at a Glance
- Population
- 21,170
- Median Income
- $85,927
- Home Value
- $507,100
- Median Rent
- $1,337/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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