B+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
35%
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 Leland North Carolina National
Cost of living11096100
Groceries99100100
Health care9899100
Housing13588100
Transportation9899100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment98100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare99100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Leland, NC

Knowing the cost of living in Leland 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 Leland stands at 110, marking it 10% higher than the national average.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Leland are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Leland 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 Leland 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 34.8% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

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

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 7 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Leland. The feedback revealed that 14% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 86% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Leland Affordable?

Is Leland 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 Leland, the median home price is 38.5% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 26.2% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Leland boasting a median household income of $110,906, 36.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Leland?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Leland, healthcare costs are 2.5% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Leland, the utilities index registers at 1.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Leland cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Leland is 14% higher than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Leland is 10% higher than the national average
  • Leland housing is 35% 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 Leland

See all the best places to live around Leland

Compare Leland, NC Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$115,733$9,644$2,700$3,472
      Renters$82,660$6,888$1,929$2,480
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Leland, NC, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Leland, homeowners have a median income of $115,733. Using that number, a maximum of $2,700 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $82,660, which means there is a maximum of $1,929 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Blue Clay Farms, NC53991.3%
      Sandyfield, NC6998317.2%
      Northwest, NC8068712.7%
      Delco, NC132909.9%
      Sandy Creek, NC219909.6%
      Leland, NC22,3661109.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      New Castle, PA22,3777920.6%
      Albertville, AL22,3548712.9%
      Corinth, TX22,35311313.1%
      Coralville, IA22,3801043.7%
      Lealman, FL22,381972.7%
      Leland, NC22,3661109.6%
      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.