Cost of Living in James City, NC
Population 4,859 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in James City can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $176,000 against $63,835 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, James City lies roughly 75 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Wilmington. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Wilmington's $350,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in James City
The median home value in James City is $175,700 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,028/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,835/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.1%, 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 73.2°F and lows of 52.2°F. Overall, James City has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.
James City has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 55 | 59 | 65 | 74 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 88 | 83 | 75 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 59 | 67 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 54 | 43 | 37 |
| Precip" | 3.89 | 3.32 | 3.85 | 3.18 | 4.25 | 4.60 | 6.26 | 6.81 | 6.33 | 3.56 | 3.33 | 3.63 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in James City, NC?
James City has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in James City, NC?
The median gross rent in James City is $1,028 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in James City?
The median home value in James City is $175,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in James City?
The median household income in James City is $63,835 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in James City, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in James City is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is James City, NC affordable?
Yes, James City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in James City?
James City has average high temperatures of 73.2°F and average lows of 52.2°F. Annual precipitation is 53". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
James City at a Glance
- Population
- 4,859
- Median Income
- $63,835
- Home Value
- $175,700
- Median Rent
- $1,028/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.2°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