7 Cheapest Places to Live in North Carolina in 2025

North Carolina is becoming a top destination for budget-conscious homebuyers, renters, and investors. With a cost of living 5% lower than the national average and a median home price of around $367,600 (compared to the U.S. median of $418,478), the state offers an excellent balance of affordability and quality of life.

Rising housing costs across the country have made affordability a priority. Whether looking for a thriving city, a quiet small town, or even a coastal escape, NC has affordable options for different lifestyles.

This blog ranks the 7 cheapest places to live in North Carolina in 2025, based on home prices, cost of living, etc.

When determining the affordability of a location, several key factors come into play:

• Housing Costs: The median home value in North Carolina is $327,215. The average rent is $1,802 per month, about 10% lower than the national average of $2,006.

• Cost of Living Index: The cost of living in North Carolina is 5% below the national average.

• Job Market & Economy: As of November 2024, North Carolina had 328,000 job openings, indicating a robust job market. The average weekly wage in North Carolina is $1,143.

Here are the 7 most affordable places to live in NC:

Median Home Price: $264,000

Cost of Living Index: Approximately 11% below the national average

Why It’s Affordable? Rocky Mount offers a combination of affordable living and a powerful economy. The local economy is bolstered by industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. They provide several job opportunities for you.

Best For: Individuals and families seeking a balance between affordability and economic opportunity.

Median Home Price: $93,000

Cost of Living Index: Around 13% below the national average

Why It’s Affordable? Kinston's housing prices are significantly low, and the overall cost of living is low too. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to maximize their savings. The town is known for its rich history and charming Southern atmosphere, which offers a peaceful lifestyle.

Best For: Retirees and individuals seeking a quiet, affordable place to live.

Median Home Price: $239,000

Cost of Living Index: About 21% below the national average

Why It’s Affordable? Lumberton's housing market offers some of the most budget-friendly options in the state. The city's location along the Lumber River provides scenic views and recreational activities, enhancing its appeal without adding to the cost.

Best For: Those looking for affordable living in a community with rich natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Median Home Price: $229,450

Cost of Living Index: Overall 2% below the national average

Why It’s Affordable? Despite being a bustling city with a major university, Greenville maintains a relatively low cost of living. The presence of East Carolina University and a growing healthcare sector contribute to a robust job market.

Best For: Young professionals and families seeking employment opportunities in a vibrant community.

Median Home Price: $228,000

Cost of Living Index: Approximately 6% below the national average

Why It’s Affordable? Home to Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the world, Fayetteville offers affordable housing and a cost of living lower than the national average. The military presence in Fayetteville contributes to economic stability and a variety of community services, including health education programs, support for individuals with developmental disabilities, and volunteer organizations.

Best For: Military personnel, veterans, and families looking for a supportive and affordable community.

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Median Home Price: $244,500

Cost of Living Index: About 13% below the national average

Why It’s Affordable? High Point offers a cost-effective lifestyle with housing costs significantly lower than the national average. Its proximity to major cities like Greensboro and Winston-Salem provides you with urban amenities without the associated high costs.

Best For: Professionals and families seeking affordable living with easy access to urban centers.

Median Home Price: $220,000

Cost of Living Index: Around 3% below the national average

Why It’s Affordable? Jacksonville combines affordable housing with the allure of coastal living. The presence of a military base - Marine Corps Camp Lejeune contributes to economic stability and a variety of community services.

Best For: Beach enthusiasts and military families looking for budget-friendly coastal living.

Securing an affordable home in North Carolina requires a strategic approach. Here are some effective methods to consider:

• Access Comprehensive Databases: Multiple Listing Services (MLS) provide extensive databases of available properties. They offer up-to-date information on homes across North Carolina.

• Set Up Personalized Alerts: Make custom alerts based on things like location, price range, and property type. This way, you'll be notified when new listings match what you want.

• NC Home Advantage Mortgage: This program offers down payment help of up to 3% of the loan amount. It’s designed for first-time and move-up buyers, making homeownership easier.

• NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment: First-time buyers and military veterans can get $15,000 for down payment help. This comes as a forgivable second mortgage.

• Local Assistance Programs: Cities such as Durham provide strong support. For example, the Durham Down Payment Assistance Program gives up to $80,000 to eligible homebuyers.

• Pathway Homes: This program gives you flexible rent-to-own choices. You can lease a home now and buy it later. This is great if you aren’t ready to purchase right away.

• Local Opportunities: Platforms such as Rent To Own Labs show detailed listings of rent-to-own homes in North Carolina. This lets you connect directly with the property owners.

While these strategies can greatly help in finding an affordable home, the real estate market can still be complex and time-consuming to navigate. Traditional processes usually involve high commission fees of up to 6% and lengthy negotiations.

To streamline your home-buying journey and reduce costs, consider using reAlpha. ReAlpha is an AI-driven, commission-free real estate platform. It removes the typical 3% buyer's agent fee. This lets you use those funds directly for your home purchase.

North Carolina’s affordable housing, strong job market, and lower cost of living make it an attractive option for homebuyers in 2025. From vibrant cities like Charlotte to budget-friendly towns like High Point, the state offers diverse opportunities for affordable homeownership.

But don’t let hidden costs, like the 3% buyer’s agent commission, drain your savings. On a $300,000 home, that’s $9,000 you could be putting to better use. With reAlpha, you can eliminate this fee, putting thousands of dollars back in your pocket. Don’t miss out, more savings now mean more opportunities for upgrading your home, lowering your mortgage, or securing your financial future.

Yes, North Carolina offers affordable housing options in cities like Fayetteville, High Point, and Kinston. The state also has lower property taxes and a lower cost of living than many other states.

Affordability depends on median home prices, rent trends, cost of living index, and job opportunities. Cities with strong economies and low housing costs rank higher.

Avoid the 3% buyer’s agent commission by using reAlpha, an AI-powered, commission-free real estate platform. This can save you thousands, making homeownership more affordable in North Carolina’s budget-friendly cities.

Save Big when you Buy a Home with reAlpha!

Discover how our all-in-one homebuying platform can increase your buying power and put money back in your pocket. Start your journey today!

Sign up for free