A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
23%
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 Goldsboro North Carolina National
Cost of living9296100
Groceries100100100
Health care9899100
Housing7788100
Transportation9999100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare103100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Goldsboro, NC

Knowing the cost of living in Goldsboro 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 Goldsboro stands at 92, marking it 8% lower than the national average.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Goldsboro are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Goldsboro can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Goldsboro?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 12 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Goldsboro and this is how they responded. 25% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 75% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Goldsboro Affordable?

Is Goldsboro an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Goldsboro is 26.1% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 16.4% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Goldsboro has a median household income of $55,222, which is 32.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Goldsboro?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Goldsboro, the utilities index stands at 2% lower than the national average.

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 Goldsboro, healthcare costs are 2.3% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Goldsboro cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Goldsboro is 4% lower than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Goldsboro is 8% lower than the national average
  • Goldsboro housing is 23% 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 Goldsboro

See all the best places to live around Goldsboro

Compare Goldsboro, 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$77,393$6,449$1,806$2,322
      Renters$40,714$3,393$950$1,222
      The affordability of the housing market in Goldsboro, NC as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Goldsboro homeowners, the median income is $77,393. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,806 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $40,714. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $950 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Brogden, NC2,3648514.8%
      Fremont, NC1,0178614.2%
      Eureka, NC2218713.4%
      Mount Olive, NC4,7968812.3%
      La Grange, NC2,7498812.2%
      Goldsboro, NC35,716927.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Englewood, CO35,72412928.5%
      Goshen, IN35,6919010.4%
      Redan, GA35,746964.3%
      Parkland County, AB35,675n/a 
      Brunswick, OH35,761963.6%
      Goldsboro, NC35,716927.6%
      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.