Cost of Living in Elizabeth City, NC
Population 18,740 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Elizabeth City is a smaller North Carolina community of around 19000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,947 and housing costs ($202,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 7.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 25 miles south of Chesapeake, Elizabeth City falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 44% lower than Chesapeake's $359,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Elizabeth City
The median home value in Elizabeth City is $202,100 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,111/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,947/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, 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 71.0°F and lows of 51.8°F. Overall, Elizabeth City has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less 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 | 52 | 55 | 61 | 71 | 78 | 85 | 88 | 87 | 82 | 73 | 63 | 56 |
| Low °F | 33 | 35 | 41 | 49 | 58 | 67 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 53 | 42 | 37 |
| Precip" | 3.30 | 2.87 | 3.59 | 3.16 | 3.68 | 4.71 | 5.65 | 5.32 | 4.52 | 3.63 | 2.97 | 3.11 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth City, NC?
Elizabeth City has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Elizabeth City, NC?
The median gross rent in Elizabeth City is $1,111 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Elizabeth City?
The median home value in Elizabeth City is $202,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Elizabeth City?
The median household income in Elizabeth City is $50,947 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Elizabeth City, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elizabeth City is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Elizabeth City, NC affordable?
Yes, Elizabeth City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Elizabeth City?
Elizabeth City has average high temperatures of 71.0°F and average lows of 51.8°F. Annual precipitation is 46.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Elizabeth City at a Glance
- Population
- 18,740
- Median Income
- $50,947
- Home Value
- $202,100
- Median Rent
- $1,111/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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