Cost of Living in Goldsboro, NC

Population 33,448 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

63
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Goldsboro run well below national norms — a median of $47,005 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $174,000). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Goldsboro is about 50 miles southeast of Raleigh, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 54% lower than Raleigh's $378,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 57
Rent 73

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Goldsboro

The median home value in Goldsboro is $173,700 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $956/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,005/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.4%, 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 73.6°F and lows of 53.1°F, with about 2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Goldsboro has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$173,700
43% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$190,422
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$956/mo
27% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,361/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$826
1 BR
$860
2 BR
$1,049
3 BR
$1,384
4 BR
$1,637
Owner-occupied 39.2%
Renter-occupied 60.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$956
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,570/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
18.9 min
30% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.6%
Carpooled
13.2%
Public transit
1.3%
Walked
1.3%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
4.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 4.8%
Avg local rate 2.2%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$47,005
37% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,241
Unemployment Rate
7.4%
54% above avg
Poverty Rate
20.8%
Labor Force Participation
58.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.9%
Graduate degree 8.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.7
Male median age 33.9
Female median age 40.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
73.6°F
Avg Low
53.1°F
Annual Precip
52.3"
Annual Snowfall
2"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 545865758288918983756657
Low °F 353643516069727166544337
Precip" 3.553.244.223.903.524.405.426.427.033.793.173.60
Snow" 1.30.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.7

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

81%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
32
Public schools
18,240
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Goldsboro, NC?

Goldsboro has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.

What is average rent in Goldsboro, NC?

The median gross rent in Goldsboro is $956 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Goldsboro?

The median home value in Goldsboro is $173,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Goldsboro?

The median household income in Goldsboro is $47,005 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Goldsboro, NC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Goldsboro is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.

Is Goldsboro, NC affordable?

Yes, Goldsboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Goldsboro?

Goldsboro has average high temperatures of 73.6°F and average lows of 53.1°F. Annual precipitation is 52.3". Average annual snowfall is 2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Goldsboro at a Glance

Population
33,448
Median Income
$47,005
Home Value
$173,700
Median Rent
$956/mo
Unemployment
7.4%
Avg High Temp
73.6°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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