Cost of Living in Swannanoa, NC
Population 6,043 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Swannanoa is a smaller North Carolina community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $72,978 and housing costs ($271,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Swannanoa lies roughly 90 miles east of the nearest major metro, Knoxville — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 27% higher than Knoxville's $214,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Swannanoa
The median home value in Swannanoa is $270,800 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $692/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,978/year is 2% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.6%, 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 67.8°F and lows of 46.8°F, with about 11.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Swannanoa has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less expensive.
Swannanoa 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 | 48 | 52 | 59 | 69 | 76 | 83 | 86 | 85 | 79 | 69 | 59 | 51 |
| Low °F | 29 | 32 | 38 | 46 | 54 | 61 | 65 | 64 | 58 | 47 | 37 | 32 |
| Precip" | 3.28 | 2.88 | 3.53 | 3.69 | 3.48 | 3.42 | 4.13 | 3.60 | 3.67 | 2.60 | 3.05 | 3.28 |
| Snow" | 3.8 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 2.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Swannanoa, NC?
Swannanoa has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Swannanoa, NC?
The median gross rent in Swannanoa is $692 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Swannanoa?
The median home value in Swannanoa is $270,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Swannanoa?
The median household income in Swannanoa is $72,978 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Swannanoa, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Swannanoa is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Swannanoa, NC affordable?
Yes, Swannanoa 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 Swannanoa?
Swannanoa has average high temperatures of 67.8°F and average lows of 46.8°F. Annual precipitation is 40.6". Average annual snowfall is 11.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Swannanoa at a Glance
- Population
- 6,043
- Median Income
- $72,978
- Home Value
- $270,800
- Median Rent
- $692/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs