A-
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
27%
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 Belmont North Carolina National
Cost of living10796100
Groceries99100100
Health care9999100
Housing12788100
Transportation9899100
Utilities10399100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare94100100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Belmont, NC

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Belmont is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Belmont is 107, which is 7% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Belmont closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Belmont can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Belmont, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 27.1% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Belmont?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 12 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Belmont and this is how they responded. 75% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 25% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Belmont Affordable?

Is Belmont affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Belmont, for instance, where the median home price falls 38.1% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 1.4% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Belmont flaunting a median household income of $109,223, 34.3% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Belmont?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Belmont, healthcare costs are 0.8% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Belmont, the transportation index stands at 1.6% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Belmont, the groceries index is 1.2% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Belmont cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Belmont is 12% higher than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Belmont is 7% higher than the national average
  • Belmont housing is 27% 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 Belmont

See all the best places to live around Belmont

Compare Belmont, NC Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Belmont?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Belmont?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Belmont poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      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$150,077$12,506$3,502$4,503
      Renters$64,406$5,367$1,503$1,932
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Belmont is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Belmont has a median income of about $150,077 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,502 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $64,406. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,503 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Spencer Mountain, NC0991.3%
      High Shoals, NC8758712.9%
      Bessemer City, NC5,7509010.1%
      Lowell, NC3,815918.6%
      Dallas, NC4,928937.3%
      Belmont, NC12,6901077.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Derby, CT12,6841099.1%
      Northlake, IL12,6961021.7%
      Woodward, OK12,6779010.4%
      Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, CA12,704264164.4%
      Troy, MO12,706946.3%
      Belmont, NC12,6901077.2%
      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.