Cost of Living in Garner, NC
Population 32,543 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Garner's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $77,496 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. At 6.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Garner sits roughly 10 miles south of Raleigh. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Raleigh's $378,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Garner
The median home value in Garner is $320,300 — 5% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,452/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,496/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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 72.0°F and lows of 50.4°F, with about 5.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Garner has a cost of living index of 107 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% 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 | 52 | 56 | 63 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 32 | 34 | 40 | 49 | 58 | 66 | 70 | 69 | 63 | 50 | 40 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.43 | 2.78 | 4.10 | 3.53 | 3.38 | 3.89 | 5.02 | 4.71 | 5.15 | 3.37 | 3.32 | 3.39 |
| Snow" | 2.6 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Garner, NC?
Garner has a cost index of 107 (100 = national average). It is 7% above the national average.
What is average rent in Garner, NC?
The median gross rent in Garner is $1,452 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Garner?
The median home value in Garner is $320,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Garner?
The median household income in Garner is $77,496 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Garner, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Garner is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Garner, NC affordable?
Garner is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 107 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Garner?
Garner has average high temperatures of 72.0°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Annual precipitation is 46.1". Average annual snowfall is 5.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Garner at a Glance
- Population
- 32,543
- Median Income
- $77,496
- Home Value
- $320,300
- Median Rent
- $1,452/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.0°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