Cost of Living in Chapel Hill, NC
Population 59,889 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Chapel Hill sits 89% above the national median — $577,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $85,825 (15% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Geographically, Chapel Hill sits roughly 9 miles west of Durham. Median home values run roughly 62% higher than Durham's $355,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chapel Hill
The median home value in Chapel Hill is $576,500 — 89% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,483/month, 13% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,825/year is 15% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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 71.2°F and lows of 49.9°F. Overall, Chapel Hill has a cost of living index of 159 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% 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 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chapel Hill, NC?
Chapel Hill has a cost index of 159 (100 = national average). It is 59% above the national average.
What is average rent in Chapel Hill, NC?
The median gross rent in Chapel Hill is $1,483 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chapel Hill?
The median home value in Chapel Hill is $576,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chapel Hill?
The median household income in Chapel Hill is $85,825 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chapel Hill, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chapel Hill is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Chapel Hill, NC affordable?
Chapel Hill is above average in cost of living, with an index of 159 — about 59% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill 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.
Chapel Hill at a Glance
- Population
- 59,889
- Median Income
- $85,825
- Home Value
- $576,500
- Median Rent
- $1,483/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs