Cost of Living in Hickory, NC
Population 43,747 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Hickory's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $63,361 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Geographically, Hickory is about 45 miles northwest of Concord, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Concord's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hickory
The median home value in Hickory is $248,300 — 19% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $975/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,361/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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 69.1°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Hickory has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% less 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 | 49 | 53 | 61 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 87 | 86 | 80 | 70 | 60 | 52 |
| Low °F | 30 | 33 | 40 | 48 | 56 | 64 | 68 | 67 | 61 | 49 | 39 | 33 |
| Precip" | 3.81 | 3.21 | 4.08 | 4.08 | 3.86 | 4.35 | 4.29 | 4.58 | 3.93 | 3.49 | 3.62 | 3.85 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hickory, NC?
Hickory has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hickory, NC?
The median gross rent in Hickory is $975 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hickory?
The median home value in Hickory is $248,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hickory?
The median household income in Hickory is $63,361 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hickory, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hickory is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Hickory, NC affordable?
Yes, Hickory is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Hickory?
Hickory has average high temperatures of 69.1°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 47.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hickory at a Glance
- Population
- 43,747
- Median Income
- $63,361
- Home Value
- $248,300
- Median Rent
- $975/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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