Cost of Living in Surf City, NC
Population 4,160 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Surf City sits on the smaller end of the North Carolina city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Surf City is about 25 miles northeast of Wilmington, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 37% higher than Wilmington's $350,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Surf City
The median home value in Surf City is $478,600 — 57% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,421/month, 8% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,833/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, 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 73.5°F and lows of 53.7°F. Overall, Surf City has a cost of living index of 137 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% more expensive.
Surf City 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 | 59 | 66 | 74 | 80 | 87 | 89 | 88 | 83 | 75 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 35 | 38 | 43 | 52 | 61 | 69 | 73 | 71 | 67 | 55 | 44 | 38 |
| Precip" | 3.96 | 3.50 | 3.79 | 3.35 | 4.20 | 5.24 | 6.18 | 7.48 | 7.45 | 4.13 | 3.55 | 3.68 |
| Snow" | 0.4 | 0.2 | 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 Surf City, NC?
Surf City has a cost index of 137 (100 = national average). It is 37% above the national average.
What is average rent in Surf City, NC?
The median gross rent in Surf City is $1,421 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Surf City?
The median home value in Surf City is $478,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Surf City?
The median household income in Surf City is $84,833 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Surf City, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Surf City is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Surf City, NC affordable?
Surf City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 137 — about 37% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Surf City?
Surf City has average high temperatures of 73.5°F and average lows of 53.7°F. Annual precipitation is 56.5". Average annual snowfall is 0.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Surf City at a Glance
- Population
- 4,160
- Median Income
- $84,833
- Home Value
- $478,600
- Median Rent
- $1,421/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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