B+
9%
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 Knightdale North Carolina National
Cost of living10996100
Groceries100100100
Health care9999100
Housing12388100
Transportation10599100
Utilities10299100
Lifestyle & Entertainment105100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare109100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Knightdale, NC

The cost of living in Knightdale affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Knightdale is 109, which is 9% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

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

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 an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Knightdale, the median home price is 23.4% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 22.7% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Knightdale come in at $103,850, which is 27.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Knightdale?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Knightdale, the transportation index is 4.8% higher than the national average.

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 Knightdale, the utilities index stands at 1.9% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Knightdale, the healthcare costs are 1.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Knightdale 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 Knightdale is 13% higher than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Knightdale is 9% 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

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Compare Knightdale, NC Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
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      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bunn, NC464909.9%
      Zebulon, NC5,916936.8%
      Wilson's Mills, NC2,798973.3%
      Wendell, NC8,1951044.0%
      Archer Lodge, NC5,1921022.3%
      Knightdale, NC17,2661098.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stafford, TX17,2661033.4%
      Sunnyside, WA17,2661021.6%
      Mount Vernon, OH17,2648811.8%
      Southbridge Town, MA17,25711615.9%
      Tahlequah, OK17,2538910.8%
      Knightdale, NC17,2661098.6%
      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.