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Average Rent in North Carolina

Rental market overview for North Carolina, powered by HUD and Census data.

Median Rent

$965

Median Income

$62,449

Rent Burden

29.0%

Avg FMR (2BR)

N/A

Affordability

29.0%of income to rent

North Carolina: 29.0% rent burden, near the 30% affordability threshold.

<25% 25 to 30%>30%

Affordability Map: Income vs Rent in North Carolina

Each dot is a city, sized by population. The diagonal line is the 30% rent to income threshold. Cities above the line tend to be unaffordable for median earners.

Cities in North Carolina by median income and median rent
CityMedian incomeMedian rentRent burden
Charlotte$74,070$1,39929.2%
Raleigh$78,631$1,37130.0%
Greensboro$55,051$1,04831.0%
Durham$74,710$1,29628.4%
Winston-Salem$54,416$95629.5%
Fayetteville$53,424$1,11731.0%
Cary$125,317$1,53824.4%
Wilmington$58,908$1,21332.7%
High Point$58,582$1,03028.8%
Concord$83,480$1,25930.9%
Asheville$63,810$1,25031.8%
Greenville$47,485$93330.3%
Gastonia$58,047$1,07531.9%
Jacksonville$50,185$1,18131.5%
Apex$129,688$1,66825.1%
Huntersville$112,893$1,62425.8%
Chapel Hill$85,940$1,41936.3%
Burlington$52,963$94728.1%
Rocky Mount$50,092$89127.4%
Kannapolis$66,487$1,07827.9%
Mooresville$82,622$1,44727.5%
Wake Forest$115,159$1,35424.8%
Wilson$46,891$86429.2%
Hickory$58,251$91726.1%
Holly Springs$127,755$1,74526.9%
Indian Trail$95,101$1,80227.4%
Salisbury$48,888$96131.1%
Fuquay-Varina$94,142$1,56029.2%
Monroe$63,982$1,11530.4%
Goldsboro$44,196$94030.1%
Garner$77,171$1,37129.5%
Cornelius$107,969$1,48328.7%
New Bern$55,673$1,01929.9%
Sanford$52,951$91829.3%
Morrisville$114,075$1,68722.2%
Matthews$103,405$1,49525.4%
Statesville$51,784$87329.9%
Kernersville$66,151$98826.6%
Thomasville$48,457$79528.5%
Asheboro$44,405$79728.3%
Clayton$71,698$1,35629.2%
Mint Hill$92,102$1,40927.5%
Leland$82,651$1,46933.7%
Shelby$46,176$84431.1%
Clemmons$75,667$1,05927.8%
Carrboro$76,933$1,29929.9%
Waxhaw$124,711$1,69325.0%
Kinston$35,653$80029.4%
Lexington$36,868$82732.4%
Boone$28,242$1,07151.0%
Knightdale$79,364$1,40931.4%
Lumberton$41,314$75828.6%
Harrisburg$134,767$2,09419.6%
Elizabeth City$50,155$1,03529.4%
Lenoir$44,802$65627.7%
Mebane$78,419$1,13530.1%
Hope Mills$57,864$1,06429.5%
Pinehurst$102,917$1,61326.5%
Mount Holly$73,923$1,10430.4%
Morganton$47,715$79329.1%
Graham$51,482$91126.5%
Havelock$56,492$1,22528.0%
Murraysville$76,154$1,58831.6%
Albemarle$51,673$86327.0%
Stallings$99,451$1,73627.0%
Southern Pines$81,867$1,20126.2%
Eden$43,607$74131.0%
Davidson$140,938$1,61526.2%
Roanoke Rapids$45,732$77230.1%
Hendersonville$50,198$1,10730.9%
Henderson$37,670$80731.8%
Laurinburg$38,015$75033.6%
Belmont$84,274$1,19028.2%
Piney Green$65,336$1,06224.8%
Reidsville$35,061$73731.2%
Anderson Creek$79,524$1,23725.6%
Lewisville$86,641$1,04625.9%
Newton$57,918$92325.5%
Weddington$171,810$1,98543.8%
Lake Norman of Iredell$171,583$1,19123.3%
Myrtle Grove$108,363$1,46528.9%
Archdale$63,627$89423.7%
Spring Lake$44,447$1,15129.1%
Smithfield$37,000$61833.7%
Kings Mountain$45,301$84737.5%
Lincolnton$41,614$87228.7%
Elon$73,597$1,49651.0%
Summerfield$148,182$1,15819.7%
Tarboro$43,523$65741.1%
Mount Airy$34,089$66629.9%
Wendell$91,316$1,17731.8%
Pineville$55,450$1,36634.0%
Winterville$82,969$87923.4%
Spout Springs$90,554$1,80726.5%
Waynesville$44,920$1,01932.0%
Washington$42,821$82734.1%
Morehead City$51,716$1,07036.7%
St. Stephens$59,597$85022.6%
Hillsborough$86,250$1,27625.8%
Rockingham$38,750$68131.9%
Lake Norman of Catawba$96,908$1,00024.5%
Gibsonville$98,558$92430.1%
Wesley Chapel$133,333$2,03322.7%
Ogden$113,523$1,88632.5%
Oxford$42,016$88929.0%
Aberdeen$69,758$95223.0%
Oak Island$85,513$1,28526.2%
Kings Grant$60,964$1,23251.0%
Dunn$41,843$76027.2%
Conover$49,978$82526.8%
Black Mountain$75,310$1,28437.6%
Half Moon$66,042$91124.2%
Butner$68,604$1,10224.8%
Clinton$38,880$72026.2%
Hampstead$105,755$1,15322.2%
Roxboro$39,787$79337.7%
Fletcher$74,483$1,18720.6%
Woodfin$59,144$1,35834.5%
Siler City$48,374$81625.8%
Brevard$42,843$78630.5%
Etowah$76,071$1,11631.2%
Kill Devil Hills$73,036$1,25129.0%
Marion$48,520$61025.9%
Zebulon$50,934$1,01837.4%
Forest City$35,232$71831.6%
King$59,770$88533.6%
Porters Neck$111,733$1,30127.0%
Mills River$79,802$1,18621.4%
Trinity$70,368$90926.7%
Cullowhee$32,054$80751.0%
Unionville$90,904$1,08826.4%
Carolina Beach$87,159$1,30424.4%
St. James$113,507$2,10211.8%
Selma$29,325$79337.2%
Cherryville$57,137$91923.5%
Hamlet$34,798$42931.4%
Boiling Spring Lakes$57,969$1,25126.3%
East Flat Rock$54,605$85723.4%
Mocksville$46,553$81035.4%
Dallas$55,979$82128.4%
Silver Lake$75,123$1,20538.4%
Walkertown$58,900$1,14030.5%
Nashville$61,513$92623.6%
Northchase$52,122$1,23527.1%
Bessemer City$44,440$88227.9%
Angier$54,936$79730.4%
Swannanoa$64,815$69731.1%
Briar Chapel$153,300$2,63033.8%
Cramerton$89,313$1,28825.0%
Moyock$101,484$1,77539.4%
Williamston$41,182$69532.4%
James City$62,227$95536.1%
Long View$44,740$69222.4%
Sawmills$63,388$67623.4%
Wadesboro$32,022$89343.9%
Ayden$53,000$70532.1%
Pleasant Garden$84,395$1,04119.8%
Whispering Pines$105,707$1,90524.7%
Granite Falls$76,680$81222.1%
Wrightsboro$56,719$1,06322.6%
Creedmoor$78,750$1,09751.0%
Ahoskie$38,063$82033.2%
Midway$72,574$65821.9%
Whiteville$34,121$75332.2%
Locust$52,551$83340.8%
Valdese$66,745$62218.8%
Royal Pines$98,309$1,38323.3%
Midland$101,220$1,04224.3%
Carolina Shores$77,259$1,91347.5%
Boiling Springs$90,625$82125.4%
Erwin$49,245$1,02533.0%
Randleman$63,040$73037.6%
Raeford$38,371$75733.6%
Westport$136,290$1,87017.0%
Lillington$57,774$88529.0%
Weaverville$76,310$1,61641.0%
Pittsboro$62,513$91423.2%
Beaufort$41,890$79633.3%
Edenton$46,979$63227.2%
Ranlo$78,533$1,42027.4%
Farmville$47,604$91433.3%
China Grove$44,881$94239.8%
Canton$54,728$83629.9%
Newport$79,109$1,06935.3%
North Wilkesboro$36,855$60628.2%
Mount Olive$41,738$82230.7%
Holly Ridge$90,197$1,59423.8%
Spindale$38,857$68327.6%
Shallotte$71,659$1,11035.8%
Franklin$38,947$82429.6%
Forest Oaks$110,417$1,68244.0%
Trent Woods$112,679$1,32917.1%
Wingate$72,188$95539.0%
Mountain Home$59,010$1,11733.4%
Elkin$57,711$73631.4%
Southport$78,287$1,55427.4%
Benson$56,054$91834.2%
Seven Lakes$93,937$83428.2%
Stanley$61,723$99523.9%
Surf City$85,714$1,47035.5%
Emerald Isle$85,982$1,37324.6%
Hudson$49,761$71437.3%
Swansboro$105,779$1,02930.9%
Maiden$62,765$73426.1%
Glen Raven$57,639$77324.1%
Gamewell$54,037$73528.8%
Tabor City$34,722$72227.2%
Lowell$55,481$1,03126.9%
Kitty Hawk$85,700$1,29621.9%
Troutman$74,219$1,25224.7%
Bethlehem$75,838$72613.9%
Jamestown$85,583$1,06030.7%
Wilkesboro$43,480$68833.3%
Rutherfordton$58,913$87232.0%
Landis$73,571$92517.6%
Eastover$68,646$96833.3%
Dana$53,256$92042.6%
Skippers Corner$58,821$77626.4%
Buies Creek$42,208$1,08151.0%
Rockfish$61,172$1,18123.5%
Lowesville$113,086$1,82846.9%
River Road$46,434$76834.2%
Elroy$59,505$94031.5%
Windsor$46,786$63223.0%
Tyro$55,995$71719.7%
Enochville$57,328$1,01321.7%
Welcome$59,348$75238.8%
Wallace$47,318$58925.6%
Belville$79,875$1,59430.1%
Rural Hall$56,037$96325.1%
Lake Royale$100,239$1,23220.4%
Lake Park$73,972$1,74643.3%
Avery Creek$104,808$1,84530.0%
East Rockingham$31,475$80234.7%
Mountain View$65,369$1,07516.0%
Plymouth$24,385$64939.9%
Elizabethtown$24,081$63137.0%
Spencer$61,079$1,04534.0%
Burgaw$63,355$88927.9%
Mineral Springs$94,113$1,35032.3%
Nags Head$87,560$92035.9%
Bermuda Run$71,515$87725.6%
Red Springs$20,917$56132.5%
Green Level$42,695$86119.6%
Louisburg$41,813$1,00651.0%
Southern Shores$112,371$1,80944.2%
Wallburg$80,592$94945.5%
Bayshore$115,347$1,31814.8%
Lake Junaluska$71,875$95043.8%
Yadkinville$41,148$74129.1%
Emma$42,491$87126.2%
Polkton$47,277$78422.7%
Troy$44,261$54218.9%
River Bend$74,375$1,22426.7%
Norwood$55,897$81725.5%
Haw River$57,404$80837.5%
South Rosemary$41,875$86833.8%
Wrightsville Beach$125,074$2,01325.4%
Mars Hill$80,833$93924.1%
Pembroke$23,107$69128.8%
Edneyville$61,600$79120.0%
Fairfield Harbour$68,723$1,51234.0%
Calabash$46,607$1,20146.5%
Marshville$50,000$1,01723.1%
Kenly$51,250$78033.9%
Fairmont$31,731$62131.3%
Cricket$45,536$90223.3%
Mar-Mac$50,286$78724.8%
Bladenboro$54,797$71118.9%
Franklinton$59,911$94446.6%
Swepsonville$84,737$87724.4%
Fruitland$40,500$74427.6%
Grandy$70,610$1,14620.7%
Mayodan$40,458$70129.1%
Rockwell$62,656$85526.0%
Youngsville$73,472$1,04127.1%
Burnsville$39,018$77425.0%
Oakboro$78,453$1,10419.7%
Connelly Springs$63,963$78922.9%
Coats$42,566$88428.0%
Kure Beach$97,269$1,38031.2%
Maxton$23,106$63633.8%
Four Oaks$66,014$1,08724.5%
St. Pauls$36,490$73627.3%
Taylorsville$43,681$64432.0%
Cedar Point$87,981$1,46423.5%
Maggie Valley$62,083$98223.4%
Madison$51,150$66620.8%
Neuse Forest$84,542$1,26629.8%
Sneads Ferry$40,278$1,05930.6%
Pine Level$65,347$79131.2%
Snow Hill$34,583$74932.3%
Andrews$34,939$74423.1%
Badin$42,708$86130.3%
Hertford$43,696$68622.6%
Walnut Cove$42,398$71532.2%
Governors Village$148,462$1,64323.1%
Broad Creek$59,500$80634.6%
Wanchese$71,484$1,01021.4%
Dudley$42,022$72425.7%
Icard$45,620$80824.5%
Mulberry$51,750$59526.4%
Navassa$50,694$1,17233.3%
Enfield$19,853$56738.0%
Hemby Bridge$77,454$1,25318.1%
Claremont$60,735$93726.1%
Glen Alpine$51,563$84928.7%
Ramseur$32,964$64646.9%
Jefferson$37,232$64226.6%
Scotland Neck$17,271$48751.0%
Horse Shoe$68,000$1,07539.5%
Hildebran$51,680$71822.7%
Dobson$54,236$70422.7%
Manteo$78,074$1,14328.6%
Sparta$38,045$53728.2%
Mount Pleasant$70,313$1,00527.0%
Drexel$59,052$67826.9%
Pinebluff$70,750$1,06419.1%
Rose Hill$45,000$84431.3%
Atlantic Beach$49,583$96937.1%
Fairplains$37,261$69429.6%
Biltmore Forest$174,286$1,58351.0%
Pilot Mountain$42,045$75526.4%
Bryson City$41,542$69725.5%
Salem$55,156$67826.8%
Princeville$50,938$82127.5%
Advance$91,528$8439.0%
Bethel$51,107$71040.8%
Cherokee$43,655$71220.7%
Foxfire$69,782$1,07131.9%
Lake Lure$75,259$87522.5%
Walnut Creek$149,875$1,7569.0%
Murphy$34,283$46821.2%
Chadbourn$23,477$58934.1%
Weldon$37,330$76540.5%
Tryon$50,398$1,21226.7%
Hoopers Creek$63,750$1,13326.4%
Robbins$47,770$63522.4%
West Jefferson$41,036$58829.1%
Sharpsburg$35,521$89149.2%
Vander$45,875$90151.0%
Stedman$98,615$1,56519.8%
Buxton$87,344$1,34637.2%
Millers Creek$41,434$76533.7%
Robersonville$42,857$76528.9%
Princeton$34,315$68224.9%
Stanfield$79,946$96819.8%
Lake Waccamaw$74,297$1,04223.3%
Spring Hope$29,699$72632.3%
Beulaville$34,115$73631.1%
Clyde$55,943$92934.3%
Broadway$63,333$89051.0%
Foscoe$53,382$86025.5%
Hays$40,963$74441.7%
Belhaven$30,147$84332.3%
Pinetops$44,643$81223.2%
Boonville$59,408$67731.1%
Pine Knoll Shores$92,656$1,57142.5%
West Canton$27,974$86747.6%
Cove Creek$51,812$944N/A
Brandywine Bay$97,917$1,41322.3%
Cordova$51,046$789N/A
Denton$44,539$74933.7%
Bonnetsville$41,135$86551.0%
Alamance$93,309$1,09525.0%
Cherry Branch$105,739$1,57918.1%
Vass$59,375$78023.0%
Franklinville$38,712$85931.5%
Cleveland$56,250$75324.5%
Banner Elk$66,607$89037.0%
Brunswick$16,643$83451.0%
East Spencer$37,917$64742.3%
Toast$33,665$82634.4%
Bayboro$28,393$94029.4%
Star$35,750$53818.7%
Saxapahaw$50,909$51226.3%
South Henderson$35,341$72928.2%
Norlina$34,550$72138.7%
Candor$45,351$1,11545.8%
Elm City$48,125$80432.5%
Ellerbe$45,654$72338.2%
Balfour$69,643$76422.1%
Highlands$55,573$89628.6%
McAdenville$102,083$1,19922.1%
Springdale$62,931$1,11524.4%
Rutherford College$57,500$97033.2%
Harkers Island$67,888$1,02819.8%
Belwood$46,355$79526.7%
Faith$123,456$73319.5%
Mount Gilead$65,388$1,02226.3%
Columbus$53,333$57524.4%
Rhodhiss$53,000$78330.5%
Stem$82,212$95027.5%
Flat Rock$50,032$71451.0%
Chocowinity$35,098$80029.0%
Lucama$37,750$90751.0%
Maury$19,797$90951.0%
Stoneville$50,661$69723.2%
Moravian Falls$52,217$64640.8%
Bunnlevel$69,265$91025.5%
Rowland$28,750$64236.7%
White Lake$58,421$76326.8%
Holden Beach$106,375$1,20823.3%
Garland$40,577$87924.5%
Dortches$68,583$1,09634.9%
Castle Hayne$55,625$1,14231.2%
Oriental$51,563$1,12144.8%
Middlesex$42,917$77929.1%
Camden$82,794$1,11917.8%
Vanceboro$38,646$56624.7%
Faison$43,194$61422.5%
Wagram$51,304$80019.6%
Ellenboro$47,727$67014.3%
Magnolia$35,357$54631.6%
Rocky Point$47,500$77139.9%
Fremont$44,219$77530.6%
Kenansville$53,750$42531.2%
Richfield$74,651$94030.1%
West Marion$40,231$82733.1%
Winfall$59,732$1,08729.9%
Blowing Rock$116,731$1,25016.7%
Roseboro$50,455$78829.8%
Maysville$57,083$1,10133.4%
JAARS$60,685$834N/A
Conway$43,095$40329.2%
Cooleemee$50,250$91130.6%
Laurel Hill$23,086$88551.0%
Warrenton$31,563$54238.3%
Patterson Springs$43,750$91050.0%
Gaston$34,934$95629.4%
Hollister$39,913$71622.6%
Alliance$39,432$29527.9%
Hoffman$35,781$75451.0%
Clarkton$23,618$71336.3%
Taylortown$47,431$1,06627.9%
Silver City$21,159$1,16851.0%
Bogue$90,625$1,32718.0%
Beech Mountain$85,250$1,08825.3%
Lilesville$51,538$81429.0%
North Topsail Beach$82,857$1,39137.5%
Northwest$31,750$75433.0%
White Plains$47,375$61018.4%
Black Creek$53,382$83822.4%
Cashiers$78,150$88531.3%
Pinnacle$32,200$78851.0%
Peletier$45,781$1,09129.0%
Gibson$27,063$70833.2%
Rich Square$30,972$73233.3%
Newland$42,829$72832.2%
East Bend$79,375$76312.9%
Bakersville$39,896$43140.7%
Robbinsville$17,222$36331.6%
Aulander$33,250$63429.0%
Duck$122,500$1,41751.0%
Pikeville$65,417$90325.8%
Red Cross$51,250$64331.1%
High Shoals$47,857$69627.6%
Winton$38,333$87932.5%
New London$58,667$98346.4%
Manns Harbor$49,250$1,22743.2%
Jackson$46,386$74318.1%
Ansonville$48,500$94251.0%
Conetoe$36,835$1,08036.8%
Fallston$44,545$65329.1%
Newton Grove$64,750$97337.7%
Old Fort$41,125$73426.1%
Misenheimer$44,063$64024.5%
Dobbins Heights$24,167$57538.3%
Rosman$50,437$85318.6%
Cove City$50,833$89030.6%
Stantonsburg$55,938$70328.6%
Catawba$44,167$1,06325.0%
Woodland$40,489$54635.8%
Sandyfield$29,722$88144.3%
Ruth$56,875$68317.5%
Garysburg$38,510$92551.0%
South Weldon$20,417$76126.7%
Saluda$51,429$1,25042.8%
Marshall$49,712$55828.5%
Lawndale$33,542$76933.4%
Grover$33,583$74026.7%
Wade$62,500$1,07433.1%
Harmony$62,024$1,03326.3%
Whitsett$68,393$1,29232.5%
Hookerton$38,571$80830.2%
Carolina Meadows$120,536$3,17930.7%
Teachey$51,875$83348.9%
Ossipee$57,273$77022.5%
Columbia$19,551$53442.7%
Lattimore$68,125$81723.0%
Kingstown$31,094$78351.0%
Bridgeton$48,542$1,08051.0%
Grantsboro$70,000$68828.0%
Pink Hill$43,074$66524.5%
Littleton$26,667$36533.7%
Aurora$43,897$62126.4%
Hot Springs$45,500$50930.8%
Ronda$47,333$90023.8%
Staley$54,107$83226.9%
Roper$20,194$62551.0%
Polkville$53,194$1,02533.5%
Sugar Mountain$111,250$1,33714.3%
Minnesott Beach$77,596$1,15920.5%
Deep Run$61,974$71533.3%
Bunn$50,536$83726.7%
Micro$45,000$98330.8%
Washington Park$82,250$1,20819.6%
Topsail Beach$112,708$1,21919.4%
Webster$40,833$73826.5%
Peachland$70,096$72518.8%
St. Helena$73,571$1,37520.0%
Whitakers$34,375$79839.3%
Bailey$57,829$84117.6%
Lewiston Woodville$41,944$87828.3%
Hatteras$47,067$1,56341.3%
Parkton$54,063$1,08351.0%
Dublin$49,250$73018.9%
Dover$36,563$98851.0%
Pantego$67,292$76151.0%
Roxobel$37,500$1,01040.4%
Fair Bluff$25,500$81937.4%
Brookford$54,063$86717.8%
Cameron$71,696$74416.3%
Seven Devils$94,167$1,33326.3%
Oak City$57,769$86324.6%
Momeyer$53,750$75032.5%
Atkinson$46,250$1,53619.6%
Cedar Rock$77,143$1,12545.0%
Sims$61,042$90031.4%
Seagrove$65,000$68532.5%
Casar$52,500$81023.6%
Simpson$57,500$90022.5%
Cofield$60,417$72333.1%
Jamesville$41,205$80637.3%
Goldston$37,278$91733.8%
Stovall$48,214$1,08320.0%
Grimesland$35,000$1,00032.3%
Arapahoe$80,625$79822.6%
Earl$41,935$93318.1%
Saratoga$31,250$72538.4%
Forest Hills$89,063$80651.0%
Pollocksville$44,615$64239.6%
East Arcadia$31,731$70028.9%
Macclesfield$59,375$87428.4%
Bethania$80,227$1,46430.8%
Salemburg$46,071$92828.7%
East Laurinburg$28,500$84333.3%
Old Hundred$25,441$70951.0%
Bostic$53,438$82528.8%
Sandy Creek$56,250$91014.5%
Evergreen$59,191$66313.8%
Fountain$22,250$69651.0%
Kelford$30,268$72837.9%
Hobgood$46,250$1,09645.0%
Waco$41,875$89251.0%
Gatesville$75,750$1,05417.5%
Everetts$55,000$83120.8%
Castalia$30,000$67526.9%
Colerain$89,265$77214.2%
Engelhard$35,192$1,04351.0%
Walstonburg$40,000$1,04236.9%
Boardman$55,764$58216.3%
Lansing$45,536$91937.5%
Bath$59,688$1,11751.0%
Dillsboro$55,625$81831.6%
Watha$45,833$66751.0%
Parmele$34,821$90042.5%
Chimney Rock Village$66,563$1,35813.8%
Eureka$55,625$85025.0%
Harrells$67,250$69520.8%
Harrellsville$62,292$1,31327.8%
Bolivia$50,972$96751.0%
Lowgap$77,083$70725.7%
Askewville$48,750$64425.6%
Severn$41,667$77527.5%
Lasker$80,625$65445.0%
Belvoir$41,300$63818.1%
Proctorville$60,625$85017.5%
Autryville$42,250$84113.8%
Love Valley$20,938$58038.3%
Bear Grass$54,821$64417.1%
Linden$61,250$85017.5%
Kittrell$83,250$1,20026.7%
Lumber Bridge$61,250$74421.9%

How North Carolina Compares to the National Average

Median Rent

$965 29.3%

Rent Burden

29.0% 4.3%

Vacancy Rate

18.6% 116.3%

North Carolina Rental Market Overview

North Carolina has approximately 753 cities with rental data tracked by StayRentals. Roughly 30.9% of housing units in the state are renter-occupied. The state's median rent is approximately $965, which is 29% lower than the national median of $1,365. (Source: Census ACS)

The average North Carolina renter spends approximately 29.0% of their income on rent, compared to the national average of approximately 30.3%. This suggests the state is generally in line with or more affordable than national averages. (Source: Census ACS)

With a rental vacancy rate of approximately 18.6%, the North Carolina rental market may offer renters more options and negotiating power. (Source: Census ACS)

Rent Burden Distribution Across North Carolina Cities

45% of cities in North Carolina have a rent burden at or above 30% of household income.

City count by rent burden bracket for North Carolina
Burden bracketNumber of cities
Under 25%162
25 to 30%174
30 to 35%139
35% and up133

Most and Least Affordable Cities

Most affordable cities (lowest rent burden):

  • St. James: median rent of $2,102, median income of $113,507, resulting in a rent burden of approximately 11.8%. (Source: Census ACS)
  • Bethlehem: median rent of $726, median income of $75,838, resulting in a rent burden of approximately 13.9%. (Source: Census ACS)
  • Bayshore: median rent of $1,318, median income of $115,347, resulting in a rent burden of approximately 14.8%. (Source: Census ACS)
  • Mountain View: median rent of $1,075, median income of $65,369, resulting in a rent burden of approximately 16.0%. (Source: Census ACS)
  • Westport: median rent of $1,870, median income of $136,290, resulting in a rent burden of approximately 17.0%. (Source: Census ACS)
  • Most expensive cities (highest rent burden):

  • Louisburg: median rent of $1,006, with a rent burden of approximately 51.0%. Lower incomes relative to rent contribute to higher cost burden. (Source: Census ACS)
  • Buies Creek: median rent of $1,081, with a rent burden of approximately 51.0%. Lower incomes relative to rent contribute to higher cost burden. (Source: Census ACS)
  • Creedmoor: median rent of $1,097, with a rent burden of approximately 51.0%. Lower incomes relative to rent contribute to higher cost burden. (Source: Census ACS)
  • Cullowhee: median rent of $807, with a rent burden of approximately 51.0%. Lower incomes relative to rent contribute to higher cost burden. (Source: Census ACS)
  • Kings Grant: median rent of $1,232, with a rent burden of approximately 51.0%. Lower incomes relative to rent contribute to higher cost burden. (Source: Census ACS)
  • HUD Fair Market Rent by Bedroom

    HUD Fair Market Rent data is reported at the county level for this state. See city pages for local FMR data.

    Population vs Median Rent in North Carolina

    In North Carolina, larger cities tend to have higher rents than smaller towns.

    Renting in North Carolina: What to Know

    Renter protections and landlord-tenant laws vary by state and municipality within North Carolina. Most states require landlords to provide advance notice before raising rent on month-to-month leases, though the specific notice period varies. Some municipalities within North Carolina may have additional local tenant protections.

    Housing laws change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a local tenant rights organization, legal aid society, or attorney. StayRentals does not provide legal advice.

    North Carolina Rental Market Trends

    Rent trends for North Carolina are tracked through the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for shelter costs. Nationally, rent costs have generally increased over the past decade, though the rate of increase varies by metro area and time period.

    Detailed monthly rent CPI data is available for major metropolitan areas. Visit our homepage for the national rent CPI trend chart, or explore individual city pages for local context. (Source: BLS Consumer Price Index)

    Cities in North Carolina

    753 cities with rental data, sorted by population.

    Showing top 50 of 753 by population

    CityPopulationMedian RentRent BurdenFMR (2BR)
    Charlotte875,045$1,39929.2%N/A
    Raleigh465,517$1,37130.0%N/A
    Greensboro297,202$1,04831.0%N/A
    Durham284,094$1,29628.4%N/A
    Winston-Salem249,571$95629.5%N/A
    Fayetteville208,697$1,11731.0%N/A
    Cary174,880$1,53824.4%N/A
    Wilmington116,933$1,21332.7%N/A
    High Point114,120$1,03028.8%N/A
    Concord105,335$1,25930.9%N/A
    Asheville93,695$1,25031.8%N/A
    Greenville87,894$93330.3%N/A
    Gastonia80,615$1,07531.9%N/A
    Jacksonville71,908$1,18131.5%N/A
    Apex65,541$1,66825.1%N/A
    Huntersville61,202$1,62425.8%N/A
    Chapel Hill58,919$1,41936.3%N/A
    Burlington56,951$94728.1%N/A
    Rocky Mount54,260$89127.4%N/A
    Kannapolis53,314$1,07827.9%N/A
    Mooresville50,025$1,44727.5%N/A
    Wake Forest48,047$1,35424.8%N/A
    Wilson47,767$86429.2%N/A
    Hickory43,352$91726.1%N/A
    Holly Springs42,023$1,74526.9%N/A
    Indian Trail40,325$1,80227.4%N/A
    Salisbury35,437$96131.1%N/A
    Fuquay-Varina35,428$1,56029.2%N/A
    Monroe34,897$1,11530.4%N/A
    Goldsboro33,566$94030.1%N/A
    Garner31,684$1,37129.5%N/A
    Cornelius31,396$1,48328.7%N/A
    New Bern31,373$1,01929.9%N/A
    Sanford30,373$91829.3%N/A
    Morrisville29,756$1,68722.2%N/A
    Matthews29,613$1,49525.4%N/A
    Statesville28,576$87329.9%N/A
    Kernersville27,177$98826.6%N/A
    Thomasville27,130$79528.5%N/A
    Asheboro27,117$79728.3%N/A
    Clayton26,837$1,35629.2%N/A
    Mint Hill26,537$1,40927.5%N/A
    Leland24,473$1,46933.7%N/A
    Shelby21,712$84431.1%N/A
    Clemmons21,281$1,05927.8%N/A
    Carrboro21,242$1,29929.9%N/A
    Waxhaw20,665$1,69325.0%N/A
    Kinston19,704$80029.4%N/A
    Lexington19,595$82732.4%N/A
    Boone19,368$1,07151.0%N/A

    Data Sources

    **Data Sources:**

  • U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index for Rent of Primary Residence
  • Data is updated periodically. Census ACS data reflects 5-year estimates. HUD Fair Market Rents are updated annually. BLS rent CPI is updated monthly.

    StayRentals is not a real estate agent, landlord, or property manager. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Rent estimates are based on government data and may not reflect current market conditions. Housing laws vary by state and municipality. Consult a local tenant rights organization or attorney for advice specific to your situation.

    Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index.

    Data vintage: HUD FMR FY 2025, Census ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates, BLS CPI updated monthly. Government data may lag 1–2 years behind current market conditions.