Cost of Living in Morganton, NC
Population 17,541 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Morganton sits on the smaller end of the North Carolina city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. A poverty rate near 30% 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.
Geographically, Morganton is about 60 miles northwest of Charlotte, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Morganton
The median home value in Morganton is $208,300 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $909/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,434/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, 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, Morganton has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% 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 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Morganton, NC?
Morganton has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.
What is average rent in Morganton, NC?
The median gross rent in Morganton is $909 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Morganton?
The median home value in Morganton is $208,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Morganton?
The median household income in Morganton is $49,434 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Morganton, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Morganton is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Morganton, NC affordable?
Yes, Morganton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Morganton?
Morganton 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.
Morganton at a Glance
- Population
- 17,541
- Median Income
- $49,434
- Home Value
- $208,300
- Median Rent
- $909/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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