Cost of Living in Oak Island, NC

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B
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
36%
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 Oak Island North Carolina National
Cost of living11096100
Groceries99100100
Health care9899100
Housing13688100
Transportation9899100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment98100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare99100100
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Homes For Sale In Oak Island, NC

property for sale

210 NE 34th St

Oak Island, NC
property for sale

1616 E Dolphin Dr

Oak Island, NC
property for sale

3296 Island Lakes DR

Oak Island, NC
property for sale

2903 E Oak Island Dr

Oak Island, NC

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Oak Island is 14% higher than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Oak Island is 10% higher than the national average
  • Oak Island housing is 36% 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 Oak Island

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      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$119,539$9,962$2,789$3,587
      Renters$88,192$7,349$2,058$2,646
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Oak Island, NC, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Oak Island homeowners, is $119,539. This would allow for a maximum of $2,789 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $88,192 which would result in a maximum of $2,058 to be spent on rental 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.
      Varnamtown, NC803964.5%
      Boiling Spring Lakes, NC6,3351000.2%
      Shallotte, NC4,3141011.4%
      Southport, NC3,9791099.1%
      Bolivia, NC1821109.7%
      Oak Island, NC8,3081109.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Camrose County, AB8,308n/a 
      Larkfield-Wikiup, CA8,30716968.5%
      Pismo Beach, CA8,30618685.6%
      Laughlin, NV8,310982.4%
      Rolling Hills Estates, CA8,314274174.1%
      Oak Island, NC8,3081109.8%
      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.
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