Cost of Living in Sunset Beach, NC
Population 4,326 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The median resident in Sunset Beach is 68 years old, well past the national midpoint, giving the city the retail and service mix of a retirement-dominant market. Household-income figures here read differently than in working-age cities: retirement and investment income weigh heavily in the totals. An unemployment rate of 2.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Sunset Beach is about 40 miles southwest of Wilmington, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Wilmington's $350,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sunset Beach
The median home value in Sunset Beach is $354,300 — 16% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $541/month, 59% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,934/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, 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 72.7°F and lows of 55.3°F. Overall, Sunset Beach has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% less expensive.
Sunset Beach 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 | 56 | 58 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 85 | 88 | 87 | 83 | 76 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 37 | 40 | 45 | 53 | 62 | 70 | 74 | 73 | 68 | 56 | 46 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.01 | 3.18 | 3.59 | 2.77 | 2.96 | 4.07 | 5.40 | 6.25 | 6.65 | 4.20 | 3.29 | 3.10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sunset Beach, NC?
Sunset Beach has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sunset Beach, NC?
The median gross rent in Sunset Beach is $541 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sunset Beach?
The median home value in Sunset Beach is $354,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sunset Beach?
The median household income in Sunset Beach is $84,934 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sunset Beach, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sunset Beach is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Sunset Beach, NC affordable?
Yes, Sunset Beach is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 86 — about 14% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Sunset Beach?
Sunset Beach has average high temperatures of 72.7°F and average lows of 55.3°F. Annual precipitation is 48.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sunset Beach at a Glance
- Population
- 4,326
- Median Income
- $84,934
- Home Value
- $354,300
- Median Rent
- $541/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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