Cost of Living in Waves, NC

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A-
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
100%
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 Waves North Carolina National
Cost of living10696100
Groceries106100100
Health care10799100
Housingn/a88100
Transportation10999100
Utilities10299100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare113100100
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Homes For Sale In Waves, NC

property for sale

25226 Bold Dune Dr Lot 22

Waves, NC
property for sale

25264 Sea Isle Hills Dr Lot : 5-17B

Waves, NC
property for sale

25246 Island Pines DR Lot 7

Waves, NC
property for sale

25019 Wimble Shores North Lot 1

Waves, NC

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Waves is 10% higher than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Waves is 6% higher than the national average
  • Waves housing is 15% 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 Waves

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Compare Waves, NC Cost of Living

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      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$0$0$0$0
      Renters$0$0$0$0

      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.
      Salvo, NC9712726.9%
      Rodanthe, NC18213131.3%
      Waves, NC581066.0%

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      Carlton, AL58963.7%
      Beedeville, AR587723.3%
      Waves, NC581066.0%
      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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