Cost of Living in Nags Head, NC
Population 3,164 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Nags Head skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 59. Reported household income of $87,619 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 60 miles southeast of Virginia Beach, Nags Head is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 23% higher than Virginia Beach's $366,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Nags Head
The median home value in Nags Head is $451,100 — 48% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,005/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,619/year is 17% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, 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 68.6°F and lows of 54.7°F, with about 1.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Nags Head has a cost of living index of 119 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% more expensive.
Nags Head 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 | 51 | 53 | 59 | 68 | 75 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 79 | 71 | 61 | 55 |
| Low °F | 36 | 37 | 43 | 51 | 60 | 69 | 73 | 72 | 69 | 58 | 48 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.78 | 3.16 | 3.80 | 2.93 | 3.52 | 4.46 | 5.26 | 5.64 | 4.54 | 3.24 | 2.88 | 3.34 |
| Snow" | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Nags Head, NC?
Nags Head has a cost index of 119 (100 = national average). It is 19% above the national average.
What is average rent in Nags Head, NC?
The median gross rent in Nags Head is $1,005 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Nags Head?
The median home value in Nags Head is $451,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Nags Head?
The median household income in Nags Head is $87,619 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Nags Head, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Nags Head is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Nags Head, NC affordable?
Nags Head is above average in cost of living, with an index of 119 — about 19% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Nags Head?
Nags Head has average high temperatures of 68.6°F and average lows of 54.7°F. Annual precipitation is 46.5". Average annual snowfall is 1.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Nags Head at a Glance
- Population
- 3,164
- Median Income
- $87,619
- Home Value
- $451,100
- Median Rent
- $1,005/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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