A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
26%
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 Dunn North Carolina National
Cost of living9396100
Groceries103100100
Health care9799100
Housing7488100
Transportation9999100
Utilities10099100
Lifestyle & Entertainment105100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare101100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Dunn, NC

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Dunn? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Dunn stands at 93, making it 7% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Dunn 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. Dunn 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.

Is Dunn Affordable?

Is Dunn 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 Dunn, for instance, where the median home price falls 26.6% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 24.6% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Dunn flaunting a median household income of $50,920, 37.4% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Dunn?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Dunn, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4.75%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.75%.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including 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 offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Dunn, healthcare costs are 2.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Dunn 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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Dunn is 3% lower than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Dunn is 7% lower than the national average
  • Dunn housing is 26% lower 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 Dunn

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Compare Dunn, NC Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$77,599$6,467$1,811$2,328
      Renters$32,800$2,733$765$984
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Dunn, NC, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Dunn have a median income of $77,599. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,811 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $32,800, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $765.

      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.
      Vann Crossroads, NC4171010.7%
      Bunnlevel, NC8048614.4%
      Wade, NC6188811.8%
      Erwin, NC5,2378910.9%
      Coats, NC2,5368811.5%
      Dunn, NC10,073937.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Inwood, NY10,07214545.3%
      Fort Stewart, GA10,07711110.9%
      Safford, AZ10,079954.6%
      Stonegate, CO10,06514747.1%
      Rockcreek, OR10,06313837.6%
      Dunn, NC10,073937.3%
      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.