| Index | Elizabeth City | North Carolina | National |
| Cost of living | 100 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 103 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 87 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 106 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 104 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 104 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 106 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 114 | 100 | 100 |
Knowing the cost of living in Elizabeth City allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Elizabeth City stands at 100, marking it 0% equal to the national average.
The cost of living in Elizabeth City is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 8 residents in Elizabeth City to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 38% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 63% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Is Elizabeth City 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 Elizabeth City, for instance, where the median home price falls 17.2% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 3.7% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Elizabeth City flaunting a median household income of $63,971, 21.3% lower than the national norm.
Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.
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 Elizabeth City, the transportation index stands at 6% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Elizabeth City, healthcare costs are 2.7% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Elizabeth City 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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $90,405 | $7,534 | $2,109 | $2,712 |
| Renters | $55,343 | $4,612 | $1,291 | $1,660 |
| 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. |
| South Mills, NC | 406 | 97 | 3.3% |
| Hertford, NC | 2,192 | 97 | 3.0% |
| Camden, NC | 949 | 108 | 8.4% |
| Winfall, NC | 845 | 115 | 15.1% |
| Moyock, NC | 5,332 | 121 | 21.3% |
| Elizabeth City, NC | 18,364 | 100 | 0.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Amsterdam, NY | 18,359 | 95 | 4.6% |
| Cary, IL | 18,372 | 111 | 10.9% |
| Portland, TX | 18,353 | 104 | 4.3% |
| West Columbia, SC | 18,344 | 96 | 3.9% |
| Logansport, IN | 18,342 | 82 | 18.0% |
| Elizabeth City, NC | 18,364 | 100 | 0.4% |
Here are the best places to live in North Carolina
See the best places to live in Elizabeth City
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in North Carolina