A-
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
23%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Knightdale North Carolina National
Cost of living10596100
Goods & Services98101100
Groceries101100100
Health care116110100
Housing12388100
Transportation8994100
Utilities8994100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Knightdale, NC

Understanding the cost of living in Knightdale can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Knightdale cost of living index is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Knightdale is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services 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 are a major factor in the Knightdale cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 23.2% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Knightdale Affordable?

Is Knightdale 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 Knightdale, the median home price is 23.4% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 22.7% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Knightdale boasting a median household income of $103,850, 27.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Knightdale?

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower 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 Knightdale, is 23.2% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Knightdale, the groceries index is 0.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Knightdale, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Knightdale is 10% higher than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Knightdale is 5% higher than the national average
  • Knightdale housing is 23% higher 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 Knightdale

See all the best places to live around Knightdale

Compare Knightdale, NC Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$134,922$11,244$3,148$4,048
      Renters$72,162$6,014$1,684$2,165
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Knightdale, NC, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Knightdale, the median monthly income is $134,922 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,148 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $72,162, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,684 on monthly rental expenses.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Knightdale National avg. Difference
      Haircut $30.19$27.629.3%
      Beauty Salon $55.76$51.119.1%
      Toothpaste $4.02$4.091.8%
      Shampoo $1.72$1.5411.5%
      Movie $14.42$12.8812.0%
      Yoga $23.33$19.6618.7%

      Groceries

      Item Knightdale National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $7.67$7.700.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.56$1.666.2%
      Milk $4.68$4.731.1%
      Potatoes $5.56$5.265.8%
      Pizza $11.30$12.7611.5%
      Beer $10.48$10.550.7%

      Health Care

      Item Knightdale National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $112.25$140.0619.9%
      Doctor $146.67$153.824.6%
      Dentist $158.67$123.1528.8%
      Ibuprofen $12.16$11.733.6%
      Lipitor $29.82$23.6126.3%

      Housing

      Item Knightdale National avg. Difference
      Home Price $402,974.00$326,622.0023.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,135.84$2,480.2513.9%
      Apartment Rent $1,772.00$1,444.0022.7%

      Transportation

      Item Knightdale National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $2.90$3.065.2%
      Tire Balancing $48.20$65.2126.1%

      Utilities

      Item Knightdale National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $185.97$220.1215.5%
      Phone $190.84$195.712.5%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bunn, NC4648911.0%
      Zebulon, NC5,916928.0%
      Wilson's Mills, NC2,798954.8%
      Wendell, NC8,1951000.3%
      Archer Lodge, NC5,1921010.8%
      Knightdale, NC17,2661054.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stafford, TX17,2661022.4%
      Sunnyside, WA17,2661000.1%
      Mount Vernon, OH17,2648317.1%
      Southbridge Town, MA17,25712019.9%
      Tahlequah, OK17,2538415.6%
      Knightdale, NC17,2661054.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.