Cost of Living in Half Moon, NC

Population 7,780 · 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

Half Moon is a smaller North Carolina community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $61,848 and housing costs ($171,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Located 50 miles northeast of Wilmington, Half Moon falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 51% lower than Wilmington's $350,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 56
Rent 72

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

About the Cost of Living in Half Moon

The median home value in Half Moon is $170,900 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $951/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,848/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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 73.5°F and lows of 53.7°F. Overall, Half Moon has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$170,900
44% below avg
Median Rent
$951/mo
28% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.0x
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 77.9%
Renter-occupied 22.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$951
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,565/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
31.2 min
16% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.8%
Carpooled
14.8%
Walked
0.7%
Work from home
6.5%

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
$61,848
17% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,283
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
5% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.4%
Labor Force Participation
67.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.5%
Graduate degree 8.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 26.7
Male median age 25.9
Female median age 27.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
73.5°F
Avg Low
53.7°F
Annual Precip
56.5"
Annual Snowfall
0.6"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 565966748087898883756659
Low °F 353843526169737167554438
Precip" 3.963.503.793.354.205.246.187.487.454.133.553.68
Snow" 0.40.20.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Half Moon, NC?

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

What is average rent in Half Moon, NC?

The median gross rent in Half Moon is $951 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Half Moon?

The median home value in Half Moon is $170,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Half Moon?

The median household income in Half Moon is $61,848 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Half Moon, NC?

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

Is Half Moon, NC affordable?

Yes, Half Moon 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 Half Moon?

Half Moon has average high temperatures of 73.5°F and average lows of 53.7°F. Annual precipitation is 56.5". Average annual snowfall is 0.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Half Moon at a Glance

Population
7,780
Median Income
$61,848
Home Value
$170,900
Median Rent
$951/mo
Unemployment
5.0%
Avg High Temp
73.5°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
View all cities in North Carolina →
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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