A+
13%
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 Roanoke Rapids North Carolina National
Cost of living8796100
Groceries98100100
Health care10199100
Housing6288100
Transportation9799100
Utilities9799100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare96100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Roanoke Rapids, NC

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Roanoke Rapids? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Roanoke Rapids stands at 87, making it 13% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Is Roanoke Rapids Affordable?

Wondering if Roanoke Rapids 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 Roanoke Rapids, for example, the median home price is 40.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 29.8% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Roanoke Rapids boasting a median household income of $57,237, which is 29.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Roanoke Rapids?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Roanoke Rapids, healthcare costs are 0.9% higher than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Roanoke Rapids, the housing index stands at 37.6% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Roanoke Rapids, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 4.75%, and income tax rates kick off at 4.75%.

Where is the Data From?

The Roanoke Rapids cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Roanoke Rapids is 9% lower than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Roanoke Rapids is 13% lower than the national average
  • Roanoke Rapids 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 Roanoke Rapids

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Compare Roanoke Rapids, NC Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$88,624$7,385$2,068$2,659
      Renters$27,976$2,331$653$839
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Roanoke Rapids is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Roanoke Rapids has a median income of about $88,624 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,068 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $27,976. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $653 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Halifax, NC248982.2%
      South Weldon, NC8588218.2%
      Littleton, NC5308218.2%
      Jackson, NC7308317.3%
      Seaboard, NC7678316.8%
      Roanoke Rapids, NC14,9268712.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Colesville, MD14,92814545.1%
      Summerfield, MD14,92912322.6%
      North Auburn, CA14,91913737.1%
      St. Clair, ON14,919n/a 
      Fort Campbell North, KY14,9151066.3%
      Roanoke Rapids, NC14,9268712.8%
      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.