| Index | Asheville | North Carolina | National |
| Cost of living | 115 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 146 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 106 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 102 | 100 | 100 |
The cost of living in Asheville affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Asheville is 115, which is 15% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Asheville cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 46.4% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 48 residents in Asheville to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 19% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 81% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Is Asheville affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Asheville, the median home price is 60.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 12.8% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Asheville boasting a median household income of $79,235, 2.6% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Asheville, the utilities index is 2.6% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.
Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Asheville, the transportation index is 0.5% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Asheville are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $107,992 | $8,999 | $2,520 | $3,240 |
| Renters | $55,412 | $4,618 | $1,293 | $1,663 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 7.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 4.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Fruitland, NC | 2,263 | 87 | 13.1% |
| Swannanoa, NC | 4,534 | 94 | 5.9% |
| Hoopers Creek, NC | 1,427 | 100 | 0.4% |
| Mountain Home, NC | 4,453 | 104 | 3.6% |
| Edneyville, NC | 2,843 | 105 | 5.4% |
| Asheville, NC | 95,516 | 115 | 14.6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Arden-Arcade, CA | 95,603 | 137 | 36.9% |
| Chilliwack, BC | 95,663 | n/a | |
| Greenville, NC | 95,299 | 95 | 4.9% |
| Niagara Falls, ON | 95,282 | n/a | |
| Redding, CA | 95,276 | 125 | 24.5% |
| Asheville, NC | 95,516 | 115 | 14.6% |
Here are the best places to live in North Carolina
See the best places to live in Asheville
These are the largest cities in North Carolina
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in North Carolina