Cost of Living in Dana, NC
Population 3,824 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Dana 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. At 6.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 85 miles west of Charlotte, Dana is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dana
The median home value in Dana is $223,400 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $901/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,801/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%, 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 68.2°F and lows of 46.3°F, with about 10.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Dana has a cost of living index of 71 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% less expensive.
Dana 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 | 49 | 53 | 60 | 69 | 76 | 83 | 85 | 84 | 79 | 70 | 60 | 52 |
| Low °F | 29 | 31 | 37 | 45 | 53 | 61 | 65 | 64 | 58 | 46 | 36 | 31 |
| Precip" | 4.13 | 3.46 | 3.80 | 4.17 | 4.13 | 4.79 | 4.67 | 5.04 | 4.13 | 3.37 | 3.72 | 4.18 |
| Snow" | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 2.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dana, NC?
Dana has a cost index of 71 (100 = national average). It is 29% below the national average.
What is average rent in Dana, NC?
The median gross rent in Dana is $901 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dana?
The median home value in Dana is $223,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Dana?
The median household income in Dana is $55,801 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dana, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dana is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Dana, NC affordable?
Yes, Dana is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 71 — about 29% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Dana?
Dana has average high temperatures of 68.2°F and average lows of 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is 49.6". Average annual snowfall is 10.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dana at a Glance
- Population
- 3,824
- Median Income
- $55,801
- Home Value
- $223,400
- Median Rent
- $901/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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