Cost of Living in Southern Shores, NC
Population 3,119 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Southern Shores sits 104% above the national median — $621,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $116,859 (57% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 13.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 50 miles southeast of Virginia Beach, Southern Shores falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 70% higher than Virginia Beach's $366,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Southern Shores
The median home value in Southern Shores is $621,100 — 104% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,018/month, 54% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $116,859/year is 57% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.9%, 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 68.6°F and lows of 54.7°F, with about 1.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Southern Shores has a cost of living index of 184 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 84% more expensive.
Southern Shores 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Southern Shores, NC?
Southern Shores has a cost index of 184 (100 = national average). It is 84% above the national average.
What is average rent in Southern Shores, NC?
The median gross rent in Southern Shores is $2,018 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Southern Shores?
The median home value in Southern Shores is $621,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Southern Shores?
The median household income in Southern Shores is $116,859 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Southern Shores, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Southern Shores is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Southern Shores, NC affordable?
Southern Shores is above average in cost of living, with an index of 184 — about 84% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Southern Shores?
Southern Shores 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.
Southern Shores at a Glance
- Population
- 3,119
- Median Income
- $116,859
- Home Value
- $621,100
- Median Rent
- $2,018/mo
- Unemployment
- 13.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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