| Index | Dunn | North Carolina | National |
| Cost of living | 93 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 103 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 74 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 105 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 101 | 100 | 100 |

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? 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.
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.
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.
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| Educare index |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| Vann Crossroads, NC | 417 | 101 | 0.7% |
| Bunnlevel, NC | 804 | 86 | 14.4% |
| Wade, NC | 618 | 88 | 11.8% |
| Erwin, NC | 5,237 | 89 | 10.9% |
| Coats, NC | 2,536 | 88 | 11.5% |
| Dunn, NC | 10,073 | 93 | 7.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Inwood, NY | 10,072 | 145 | 45.3% |
| Fort Stewart, GA | 10,077 | 111 | 10.9% |
| Safford, AZ | 10,079 | 95 | 4.6% |
| Stonegate, CO | 10,065 | 147 | 47.1% |
| Rockcreek, OR | 10,063 | 138 | 37.6% |
| Dunn, NC | 10,073 | 93 | 7.3% |