Cost of Living in New Bern, NC
Population 31,563 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
New Bern lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $212,000 — 31% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in North Carolina.
Geographically, New Bern lies roughly 75 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Wilmington. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Wilmington's $350,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in New Bern
The median home value in New Bern is $211,500 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,068/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,893/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, 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, New Bern has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% 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 | 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 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in New Bern, NC?
New Bern has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in New Bern, NC?
The median gross rent in New Bern is $1,068 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in New Bern?
The median home value in New Bern is $211,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in New Bern?
The median household income in New Bern is $56,893 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in New Bern, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in New Bern is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is New Bern, NC affordable?
Yes, New Bern is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in New Bern?
New Bern 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.
New Bern at a Glance
- Population
- 31,563
- Median Income
- $56,893
- Home Value
- $211,500
- Median Rent
- $1,068/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.1%
- 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