A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
38%
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 Lumberton North Carolina National
Cost of living8996100
Groceries103100100
Health care9799100
Housing6288100
Transportation9999100
Utilities10099100
Lifestyle & Entertainment105100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare101100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lumberton, NC

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Lumberton 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 Lumberton is 89, which is 11% lower 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.

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

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 5 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Lumberton and this is how they responded. 60% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 40% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Lumberton Affordable?

Is Lumberton 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 Lumberton is 40.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 31.7% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Lumberton has a median household income of $55,898, which is 31.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lumberton?

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 Lumberton, healthcare costs are 2.8% lower than the national average.

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 Lumberton, the transportation index is 0.9% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Lumberton, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 4.75%, and income tax rates start at 4.75%.

Where is the Data From?

The Lumberton 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 Lumberton is 7% lower than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Lumberton is 11% lower than the national average
  • Lumberton housing is 38% 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 Lumberton

See all the best places to live around Lumberton

Compare Lumberton, 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$83,828$6,986$1,956$2,515
      Renters$37,282$3,107$870$1,119
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Lumberton, 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 Lumberton, the median monthly income is $83,828 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,956 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $37,282, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $870 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.
      Wakulla, NC1141010.7%
      Raynham, NC431010.7%
      Proctorville, NC2057822.2%
      Butters, NC1597821.6%
      Rennert, NC4137920.7%
      Lumberton, NC21,4668910.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ferguson, MO21,4458514.9%
      Varennes, QC21,490n/a 
      New Hope, MN21,4321087.7%
      Lorton, VA21,50514544.6%
      Stephenville, TX21,421973.4%
      Lumberton, NC21,4668910.9%
      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.