| Index | Pinehurst | North Carolina | National |
| Cost of living | 119 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 169 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 101 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 95 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 94 | 100 | 100 |
Knowing the cost of living in Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst stands at 119, marking it 19% higher than the national average.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Pinehurst cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 68.5% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 8 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Pinehurst. The results indicated that 63% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 38% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.
Wondering if Pinehurst is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Pinehurst, for example, the median home price is 72% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 60.4% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Pinehurst boasting a median household income of $129,393, which is 59.1% higher than the national average.
Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Pinehurst, the utilities index registers 1.4% lower than the national average.
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 Pinehurst, is 68.5% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Pinehurst, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4.75%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.75%.
The cost of living data for Pinehurst shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $139,733 | $11,644 | $3,260 | $4,192 |
| Renters | $91,691 | $7,641 | $2,139 | $2,751 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 7.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 4.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Hoffman, NC | 800 | 83 | 17.1% |
| Norman, NC | 204 | 86 | 14.5% |
| Candor, NC | 1,198 | 86 | 13.7% |
| Ashley Heights, NC | 336 | 89 | 10.6% |
| Silver City, NC | 1,134 | 90 | 10.3% |
| Pinehurst, NC | 16,760 | 119 | 19.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Kaukauna, WI | 16,758 | 94 | 6.4% |
| Rio Linda, CA | 16,757 | 129 | 28.6% |
| Uvalde, TX | 16,753 | 88 | 12.5% |
| Hernando, MS | 16,752 | 101 | 0.8% |
| Palmetto Estates, FL | 16,769 | 116 | 16.2% |
| Pinehurst, NC | 16,760 | 119 | 19.3% |
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