Cost of Living in Marion, NC
Population 7,594 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $44,472, median household incomes in Marion land roughly 40% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 8.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Marion is about 75 miles west of Charlotte, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 63% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Marion
The median home value in Marion is $131,100 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $687/month, 48% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,472/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.2%, 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 67.8°F and lows of 46.8°F, with about 11.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Marion has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
Marion 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 | 48 | 52 | 59 | 69 | 76 | 83 | 86 | 85 | 79 | 69 | 59 | 51 |
| Low °F | 29 | 32 | 38 | 46 | 54 | 61 | 65 | 64 | 58 | 47 | 37 | 32 |
| Precip" | 3.28 | 2.88 | 3.53 | 3.69 | 3.48 | 3.42 | 4.13 | 3.60 | 3.67 | 2.60 | 3.05 | 3.28 |
| Snow" | 3.8 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 2.7 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Marion, NC?
Marion has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Marion, NC?
The median gross rent in Marion is $687 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Marion?
The median home value in Marion is $131,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Marion?
The median household income in Marion is $44,472 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Marion, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Marion is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Marion, NC affordable?
Yes, Marion is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Marion?
Marion has average high temperatures of 67.8°F and average lows of 46.8°F. Annual precipitation is 40.6". Average annual snowfall is 11.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Marion at a Glance
- Population
- 7,594
- Median Income
- $44,472
- Home Value
- $131,100
- Median Rent
- $687/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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