Cost of Living in Swansboro, NC
Population 3,887 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Swansboro 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. An unemployment rate of 0.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Swansboro is about 55 miles northeast 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 Swansboro
The median home value in Swansboro is $356,900 — 17% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,380/month, 5% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $112,382/year is 51% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.0%, 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 73.5°F and lows of 53.7°F. Overall, Swansboro has a cost of living index of 112 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% more expensive.
Swansboro 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 Swansboro, NC?
Swansboro has a cost index of 112 (100 = national average). It is 12% above the national average.
What is average rent in Swansboro, NC?
The median gross rent in Swansboro is $1,380 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Swansboro?
The median home value in Swansboro is $356,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Swansboro?
The median household income in Swansboro is $112,382 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Swansboro, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Swansboro is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Swansboro, NC affordable?
Swansboro is above average in cost of living, with an index of 112 — about 12% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Swansboro?
Swansboro 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.
Swansboro at a Glance
- Population
- 3,887
- Median Income
- $112,382
- Home Value
- $356,900
- Median Rent
- $1,380/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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