Cost of Living in Pinehurst, NC

Population 17,992 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

138
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Pinehurst skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 59. Reported household income of $104,955 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.

Located 30 miles west of Fayetteville, Pinehurst falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 146% higher than Fayetteville's $172,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 139
Rent 136

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Pinehurst

The median home value in Pinehurst is $423,300 — 39% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,790/month, 36% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $104,955/year is 41% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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 74.7°F and lows of 52.1°F. Overall, Pinehurst has a cost of living index of 138 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$423,300
39% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$531,629
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,790/mo
36% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,904/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$826
1 BR
$860
2 BR
$1,049
3 BR
$1,384
4 BR
$1,637
Owner-occupied 86.3%
Renter-occupied 13.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,790
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,404/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.4 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
21.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
69.5%
Carpooled
6.0%
Walked
0.7%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
21.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 4.8%
Avg local rate 2.2%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$104,955
41% above avg
Per Capita Income
$64,919
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
9% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
Labor Force Participation
44.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 35.2%
Graduate degree 26.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 58.8
Male median age 54.3
Female median age 61.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
74.7°F
Avg Low
52.1°F
Annual Precip
40.2"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 555967768389929085766658
Low °F 343642505968727064524136
Precip" 3.112.573.252.693.314.173.863.794.922.692.942.88

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Pinehurst, NC?

Pinehurst has a cost index of 138 (100 = national average). It is 38% above the national average.

What is average rent in Pinehurst, NC?

The median gross rent in Pinehurst is $1,790 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Pinehurst?

The median home value in Pinehurst is $423,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Pinehurst?

The median household income in Pinehurst is $104,955 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Pinehurst, NC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pinehurst is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.

Is Pinehurst, NC affordable?

Pinehurst is above average in cost of living, with an index of 138 — about 38% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Pinehurst?

Pinehurst has average high temperatures of 74.7°F and average lows of 52.1°F. Annual precipitation is 40.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Pinehurst at a Glance

Population
17,992
Median Income
$104,955
Home Value
$423,300
Median Rent
$1,790/mo
Unemployment
4.4%
Avg High Temp
74.7°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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