C-
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
64%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Bath North Carolina National
Cost of living11896100
Groceries99100100
Health care9999100
Housing16488100
Transportation9999100
Utilities9799100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare94100100
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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bath is 23% higher than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Bath is 18% higher than the national average
  • Bath housing is 64% higher than the national average
  • North Carolina general sales tax is 7% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina state income tax is 83% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Bath

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Compare Bath, NC Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$83,069$6,922$1,938$2,492
      Renters$75,976$6,331$1,773$2,280

      North Carolina Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      North Carolina 4.75% 7.5%

      North Carolina Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      North Carolina 4.75% 4.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Pinetown, NC79990.7%
      Aurora, NC7908416.0%
      Belhaven, NC1,2758614.4%
      Pantego, NC5228910.9%
      Washington, NC9,766937.0%
      Bath, NC22811818.1%

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      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Newtok, AK228936.9%
      Tillar, AR2288020.1%
      Elbert, CO228973.0%
      Mineola, IA2289010.4%
      Wadena, IA2288020.0%
      Bath, NC22811818.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.