Cost of Living in Southern Pines, NC
Population 16,052 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Southern Pines a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $416,000.
Geographically, Southern Pines is about 25 miles west of Fayetteville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 142% higher than Fayetteville's $172,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Southern Pines
The median home value in Southern Pines is $416,300 — 36% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,215/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,681/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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 74.7°F and lows of 52.1°F. Overall, Southern Pines has a cost of living index of 119 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% more 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 | 67 | 76 | 83 | 89 | 92 | 90 | 85 | 76 | 66 | 58 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 59 | 68 | 72 | 70 | 64 | 52 | 41 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.11 | 2.57 | 3.25 | 2.69 | 3.31 | 4.17 | 3.86 | 3.79 | 4.92 | 2.69 | 2.94 | 2.88 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Southern Pines, NC?
Southern Pines has a cost index of 119 (100 = national average). It is 19% above the national average.
What is average rent in Southern Pines, NC?
The median gross rent in Southern Pines is $1,215 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Southern Pines?
The median home value in Southern Pines is $416,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Southern Pines?
The median household income in Southern Pines is $83,681 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Southern Pines, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Southern Pines is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Southern Pines, NC affordable?
Southern Pines 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 Southern Pines?
Southern Pines 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.
Southern Pines at a Glance
- Population
- 16,052
- Median Income
- $83,681
- Home Value
- $416,300
- Median Rent
- $1,215/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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