Cost of Living in Hampstead, NC

Population 9,129 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

114
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Hampstead a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $396,000. At 7.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 13 miles northeast of Wilmington, Hampstead falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 13% higher than Wilmington's $350,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 130
Rent 90

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

About the Cost of Living in Hampstead

The median home value in Hampstead is $395,900 — 30% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,189/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,184/year is 21% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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 74.4°F and lows of 54.4°F. Overall, Hampstead has a cost of living index of 114 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$395,900
30% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$476,885
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,189/mo
10% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,733/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
27.7x
Favors renting
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 73.0%
Renter-occupied 27.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,189
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,803/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
32.3 min
20% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.3%
Carpooled
9.4%
Walked
1.0%
Work from home
17.4%

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
$90,184
21% above avg
Per Capita Income
$43,630
Unemployment Rate
7.0%
44% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Labor Force Participation
64.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.3%
Graduate degree 11.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36
Male median age 34.7
Female median age 37.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
74.4°F
Avg Low
54.4°F
Annual Precip
60.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.9"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 576067758187908884766760
Low °F 363844536169737267564539
Precip" 3.813.473.973.074.545.676.868.168.694.663.563.69
Snow" 0.70.20.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hampstead, NC?

Hampstead has a cost index of 114 (100 = national average). It is 14% above the national average.

What is average rent in Hampstead, NC?

The median gross rent in Hampstead is $1,189 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Hampstead?

The median home value in Hampstead is $395,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Hampstead?

The median household income in Hampstead is $90,184 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Hampstead, NC?

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

Is Hampstead, NC affordable?

Hampstead is above average in cost of living, with an index of 114 — about 14% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Hampstead?

Hampstead has average high temperatures of 74.4°F and average lows of 54.4°F. Annual precipitation is 60.1". Average annual snowfall is 0.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Hampstead at a Glance

Population
9,129
Median Income
$90,184
Home Value
$395,900
Median Rent
$1,189/mo
Unemployment
7.0%
Avg High Temp
74.4°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
View all cities in North Carolina →
🗺️ County data for North Carolina

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs