Cost of Living in Zebulon, NC
Population 7,961 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Zebulon 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. At 10.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 20 miles east of Raleigh, Zebulon falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Raleigh's $378,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Zebulon
The median home value in Zebulon is $275,400 — 10% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,038/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,940/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.0%, above 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 71.8°F and lows of 49.3°F. Overall, Zebulon has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% less expensive.
Zebulon 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 | 52 | 55 | 63 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 91 | 88 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 31 | 33 | 39 | 48 | 56 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 62 | 50 | 39 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.51 | 2.87 | 3.97 | 3.61 | 2.92 | 3.90 | 4.59 | 4.92 | 4.91 | 3.16 | 3.09 | 2.93 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Zebulon, NC?
Zebulon has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.
What is average rent in Zebulon, NC?
The median gross rent in Zebulon is $1,038 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Zebulon?
The median home value in Zebulon is $275,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Zebulon?
The median household income in Zebulon is $58,940 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Zebulon, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Zebulon is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Zebulon, NC affordable?
Yes, Zebulon 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 Zebulon?
Zebulon has average high temperatures of 71.8°F and average lows of 49.3°F. Annual precipitation is 44.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Zebulon at a Glance
- Population
- 7,961
- Median Income
- $58,940
- Home Value
- $275,400
- Median Rent
- $1,038/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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