Cost of Living in Salisbury, NC
Population 35,730 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Salisbury lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $215,000 — 29% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in North Carolina. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 20 miles northeast of Concord, Salisbury falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Concord's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Salisbury
The median home value in Salisbury is $215,200 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,030/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,058/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.5%, 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 69.4°F and lows of 49.6°F. Overall, Salisbury 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 | 49 | 53 | 61 | 71 | 78 | 85 | 88 | 86 | 80 | 71 | 60 | 52 |
| Low °F | 31 | 33 | 40 | 48 | 57 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 49 | 39 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.35 | 2.89 | 3.60 | 3.71 | 3.76 | 3.64 | 4.24 | 4.51 | 3.86 | 3.28 | 3.06 | 3.30 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Salisbury, NC?
Salisbury has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Salisbury, NC?
The median gross rent in Salisbury is $1,030 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salisbury?
The median home value in Salisbury is $215,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Salisbury?
The median household income in Salisbury is $51,058 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salisbury, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salisbury is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Salisbury, NC affordable?
Yes, Salisbury 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 Salisbury?
Salisbury has average high temperatures of 69.4°F and average lows of 49.6°F. Annual precipitation is 43.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Salisbury at a Glance
- Population
- 35,730
- Median Income
- $51,058
- Home Value
- $215,200
- Median Rent
- $1,030/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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