Cost of Living in Welcome, NC

Population 3,649 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

60
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Welcome offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $171,000 — costs less than 2.6 times median household income of $65,342, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.

Welcome sits roughly 14 miles south of Winston-Salem — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Winston-Salem's $208,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 56
Rent 66

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Welcome

The median home value in Welcome is $171,100 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $863/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,342/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, 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 69.4°F and lows of 49.6°F. Overall, Welcome has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$171,100
44% below avg
Median Rent
$863/mo
34% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$826
1 BR
$860
2 BR
$1,049
3 BR
$1,384
4 BR
$1,637
Owner-occupied 72.9%
Renter-occupied 27.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$863
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,477/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.7 min
3% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
88.9%
Carpooled
5.9%
Work from home
5.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 4.8%
Avg local rate 2.2%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$65,342
12% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,719
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
35% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
Labor Force Participation
60.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.5%
Graduate degree 2.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.9
Male median age 39.7
Female median age 40.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.4°F
Avg Low
49.6°F
Annual Precip
43.2"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 495361717885888680716052
Low °F 313340485765696861493934
Precip" 3.352.893.603.713.763.644.244.513.863.283.063.30

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 47 — Good
53.9%
Good air days/yr
126
Max AQI recorded
362
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Welcome, NC?

Welcome has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.

What is average rent in Welcome, NC?

The median gross rent in Welcome is $863 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Welcome?

The median home value in Welcome is $171,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Welcome?

The median household income in Welcome is $65,342 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Welcome, NC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Welcome is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.

Is Welcome, NC affordable?

Yes, Welcome is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Welcome?

Welcome has average high temperatures of 69.4°F and average lows of 49.6°F. Annual precipitation is 43.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Welcome at a Glance

Population
3,649
Median Income
$65,342
Home Value
$171,100
Median Rent
$863/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Avg High Temp
69.4°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
View all cities in North Carolina →
🗺️ County data for North Carolina

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs