| Index | Clayton | North Carolina | National |
| Cost of living | 103 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 112 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 101 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 99 | 100 | 100 |
The cost of living in Clayton 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 Clayton is 103, which is 3% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
The cost of living in Clayton aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Clayton residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 22 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Clayton. The feedback revealed that 50% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 50% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Clayton 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 Clayton, the median home price is 11.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 13% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Clayton boasting a median household income of $91,315, 12.3% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.
Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.
Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Clayton, the groceries index is 1% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Clayton 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.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $102,439 | $8,537 | $2,390 | $3,073 |
| Renters | $61,188 | $5,099 | $1,428 | $1,836 |
| 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. |
| Selma, NC | 7,159 | 89 | 11.0% |
| Micro, NC | 716 | 90 | 9.6% |
| Pine Level, NC | 2,234 | 90 | 9.5% |
| Middlesex, NC | 1,128 | 91 | 9.5% |
| Smithfield, NC | 13,082 | 92 | 8.1% |
| Clayton, NC | 24,066 | 103 | 3.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Venice, FL | 24,063 | 118 | 17.5% |
| Moses Lake, WA | 24,055 | 107 | 6.8% |
| Carteret, NJ | 24,081 | 125 | 24.7% |
| Watertown, WI | 24,039 | 95 | 4.6% |
| Fairfax, VA | 24,037 | 160 | 59.7% |
| Clayton, NC | 24,066 | 103 | 3.0% |
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