Cost of Living in Kinston, NC
Population 19,576 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $35,250, median household incomes in Kinston land roughly 53% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 29% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Kinston is about 70 miles southeast of Raleigh, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 71% lower than Raleigh's $378,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kinston
The median home value in Kinston is $108,300 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $822/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $35,250/year is 53% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.2%, 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, Kinston has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% 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 | 54 | 58 | 65 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 75 | 66 | 57 |
| Low °F | 35 | 36 | 43 | 51 | 60 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 66 | 54 | 43 | 37 |
| Precip" | 3.55 | 3.24 | 4.22 | 3.90 | 3.52 | 4.40 | 5.42 | 6.42 | 7.03 | 3.79 | 3.17 | 3.60 |
| Snow" | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 |
💨 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 Kinston, NC?
Kinston has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Kinston, NC?
The median gross rent in Kinston is $822 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kinston?
The median home value in Kinston is $108,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kinston?
The median household income in Kinston is $35,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kinston, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kinston is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Kinston, NC affordable?
Yes, Kinston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Kinston?
Kinston 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.
Kinston at a Glance
- Population
- 19,576
- Median Income
- $35,250
- Home Value
- $108,300
- Median Rent
- $822/mo
- Unemployment
- 13.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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