Cost of Living in Emerald Isle, NC
Population 3,915 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Emerald Isle's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $564,000 for a typical home, 85% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $89,432 that put it in the upper third of the state. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Emerald Isle is about 60 miles northeast 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 61% higher than Wilmington's $350,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Emerald Isle
The median home value in Emerald Isle is $563,600 — 85% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,688/month, 28% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,432/year is 20% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, 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 74.2°F and lows of 54.4°F. Overall, Emerald Isle has a cost of living index of 162 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% more expensive.
Emerald Isle 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 | 57 | 60 | 66 | 74 | 81 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 84 | 76 | 67 | 60 |
| Low °F | 36 | 38 | 44 | 52 | 61 | 69 | 73 | 72 | 68 | 56 | 46 | 40 |
| Precip" | 4.07 | 3.40 | 3.56 | 3.52 | 3.94 | 4.87 | 7.38 | 7.21 | 8.20 | 3.81 | 3.76 | 3.70 |
| Snow" | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Emerald Isle, NC?
Emerald Isle has a cost index of 162 (100 = national average). It is 62% above the national average.
What is average rent in Emerald Isle, NC?
The median gross rent in Emerald Isle is $1,688 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Emerald Isle?
The median home value in Emerald Isle is $563,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Emerald Isle?
The median household income in Emerald Isle is $89,432 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Emerald Isle, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Emerald Isle is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Emerald Isle, NC affordable?
Emerald Isle is above average in cost of living, with an index of 162 — about 62% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Emerald Isle?
Emerald Isle has average high temperatures of 74.2°F and average lows of 54.4°F. Annual precipitation is 57.4". Average annual snowfall is 0.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Emerald Isle at a Glance
- Population
- 3,915
- Median Income
- $89,432
- Home Value
- $563,600
- Median Rent
- $1,688/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
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North Carolina Rankings
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