| Index | Garner | North Carolina | National |
| Cost of living | 106 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 121 | 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 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Garner 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 Garner is 106, which is 6% 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 Garner 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.
Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Garner, 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 20.8% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 6 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Garner and this is how they responded. 17% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 83% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
Is Garner 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 Garner, the median home price is 17.9% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 27.5% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Garner boasting a median household income of $99,772, 22.7% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Garner, the utilities index is 1.3% 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.
Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Garner, is 20.8% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Garner shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $132,709 | $11,059 | $3,096 | $3,982 |
| Renters | $74,580 | $6,215 | $1,740 | $2,238 |
| 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. |
| Angier, NC | 5,927 | 96 | 3.8% |
| Wilson's Mills, NC | 2,798 | 97 | 3.3% |
| Wendell, NC | 8,195 | 104 | 4.0% |
| Archer Lodge, NC | 5,192 | 102 | 2.3% |
| Clayton, NC | 24,066 | 103 | 3.0% |
| Garner, NC | 31,549 | 106 | 5.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Galesburg, IL | 31,538 | 84 | 15.8% |
| Holladay, UT | 31,564 | 139 | 39.3% |
| Granger, IN | 31,533 | 104 | 3.8% |
| Fleming Island, FL | 31,515 | 119 | 19.4% |
| Gurnee, IL | 31,504 | 112 | 12.0% |
| Garner, NC | 31,549 | 106 | 5.7% |
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