10 Cheapest Places to Live in North Carolina in 2025

97.5% of North Carolina homes sold at or below the list price in January, putting buyers firmly in the driver’s seat of the market. Listed homes also spent over 63 days on average before going under contract. These are promising numbers for buyers!

Living in Lumberton and Henderson costs around 28% less than the US median. But these are just two examples; some cities cost even less. Plus, scenic mountains and a robust job market make North Carolina ideal to move to in 2025. Explore where you can save the most!

10 Cheapest Places to Live in North Carolina in 2025

^{*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.}
We have divided the top 10 most affordable places to live in North Carolina into 3 categories: for single families, for young professionals, and for retirees. Each city is evaluated based on key components of the North Carolina real estate market: median home value, median house rent and cost of living.

3 Cheapest Places to Live In North Carolina for Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

1. Lumberton

• Median House Rent: $1,275
• Median Home Value: $150,110
• Cost of Living: 28% cheaper than the national average.

Lumberton is a place where your pennies stretch, and so does your smile. Great parks, outdoor activities, and the Lumberton Township School District make the city ideal for families. Plus, transportation costs are a steal at 29.9% less than the US median!

The city also boasts a growing job market with a 14.7% growth rate, with key employers like Lumberton Cellulose and Monster Energy. If you’re raising kids and want affordable housing, great schools, and calm surroundings, Lumberton is perfect!.

» Lumberton Homes for Sale: Find a budget-friendly home in one of North Carolina’s most affordable cities.

2. Henderson

• Median House Rent: $995
• Median Home Value: $175,725
• Cost of Living: 27.9% cheaper than the national average.

A place where your family can grow and thrive without breaking the bank? Henderson is your answer! The median rent here is 50% less than the US median. This leaves you cash for outdoor family activities at J.B. Williamson Park and John L. Kerr Lake.

While Vance County Schools keep kids educated, the community is friendly, warm, and closely-knit. Plus, groceries are 8.8% cheaper as well. So, yes, you can finally afford that organic kale your toddler refuses to eat!

» Henderson Homes for Sale: Find family-friendly homes in one of the most affordable mountain towns in North Carolina!

3. Eden

• Median House Rent: $950
• Median Home Value: $146,521
• Cost of Living: 22% cheaper than the national average.

Eden isn’t just a biblical reference—it’s a legit family paradise. Transport costs 23.1% less than the US median as well. This lets you save on gas for those kayaking and fishing trips to the Dan River. And the Eden Farmers’ Market is perfect for fresh produce; don’t miss it!

Eden’s low cost of living and rich cultural scene make it an ideal spot for families to settle. Its small-town charm especially stands out. Plus, the Eden Central School is renowned for quality education, while companies like Osborne and Gildan offer several jobs.

» Eden Homes for Sale: Discover the cheapest place to raise a family in North Carolina.

3 Cheapest Places to Live In NC for Young Adults 👨🏻‍💻

1. Greenville

• Median House Rent: $1,399
• Median Home Value: $234,699
• Cost of Living: 14.7% cheaper than the national average.

Greenville is where you can thrive without emptying your wallet. Thanks to East Carolina University, the city buzzes with energy—be it cultural events or outdoor fun at Adkin Park. The job market is solid, with employers like Vidant Health offering plenty of opportunities.

This city is perfect for students and young professionals who want a mix of work and play. Coffee shops, live music, and a lively downtown scene keep things exciting. Plus, you’re close enough to the coast for a quick beach getaway whenever you need a break.

» Greenville Homes for Sale: Explore cheapest places to live in North Carolina near the beach.

2. Fayetteville

• Median House Rent: $1,400
• Median Home Value: $214,832
• Cost of Living: 18.6% cheaper than the national average.

Young professionals looking for affordable living in a city full of vibrant energy will love Fayetteville. The city is also home to Fort Liberty, a hub for career opportunities. From cafes and boutiques to the farmers’ market, there’s always something new to explore here.

Hike the Cape Fear River Trail or grab a craft beer downtown on the weekend. The nightlife is solid, and the job market is diverse, and employers like Walmart fuel growth. It’s the kind of place where you could build a career and still have a social life.

» Fayetteville Homes for Sale: Explore homes in this bustling North Carolina town.

3. Asheboro

• Median House Rent: $1000
• Median Home Value: $233,557
• Cost of Living: 19.5% cheaper than the national average.

Asheboro is where adventure meets affordability. The North Carolina Zoo and local trails keep you entertained, and employers like the Honda Aircraft Company offer great job options. It’s a smart pick for young professionals who love the outdoors.

Utilities are cheap, and transportation costs 25.8% less than the US median, so you’ll have cash left over for weekends. The city has a laid-back vibe, perfect for those who want to work hard and play harder. It’s a hidden gem for young adults looking for a well-rounded life.

» Asheboro Homes for Sale: Browse affordable homes in North Carolina’s outdoor paradise.

4 Cheapest Places to Live In North Carolina for Retirees 🏖️

1. Kinston

• Median House Rent: $1000
• Median Home Value: $137,935
• Cost of Living: 24.6% cheaper than the national average.

Looking for a peaceful retreat with affordable living? Kinston is your spot! The median home costs 65.6% less than the national average. With its relaxed and low-cost living by the Neuse River, Kinston makes the perfect home base for retirees

Kinston is where you can finally buy that dream porch swing and enjoy lazy afternoons. The pace is slow, the people are friendly, and you can stretch your retirement savings. And you won’t be too far away from the arts either; the Kinston Music Festival is held annually.

» Kinston Homes for Sale: Find your peaceful retreat in North Carolina’s most affordable city for retirees.

2. Rocky Mount

• Median House Rent: $995
• Median Home Value: $185,189
• Cost of Living: 19.3% cheaper than the national average.

Rocky Mount lets retirees live large on a small budget. The Rocky Mount Arts Center and Tar River provide endless entertainment, from art exhibits to fishing and kayaking. It’s a calm, affordable place to live in your retirement years.

Healthcare costs are 12.6% lower than the national average, and the community is tightly knit. Moreover, you can explore local attractions or simply relax by the water on the weekends. It’s the perfect town to finally unwind and enjoy retirement.

» Rocky Mount Homes for Sale: Find your dream retirement home in this quaint North Carolina town.

3. Thomasville

• Median House Rent: $1,300
• Median Home Value: $220,717
• Cost of Living: 16.3% cheaper than the national average.

Retirees will love Thomasville for its affordable living and rich community life. Besides, you can explore Cherokee Lake Park on the weekend or attend the Rose Show and Festival. The community is welcoming, and the pace of life is just right.

Oft called the ‘All-America City’, Thomasville is renowned for its inclusiveness, innovation, and commitment to the community. The Emporium is one such result of this commitment, which showcases items like goat soap, jellies, jams, and similar products sold by residents.

» Thomasville Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the cheapest city to live in NC.

4. Burlington

• Median House Rent: $1,575
• Median Home Value: $242,585
• Cost of Living: 16.3% cheaper than the national average.

If you want an active and affordable retired life, Burlington is the perfect fit. Besides, there’s a wealth of community activities to participate in. Shop for groceries at the Downtown Farmers Market or visit the Alamance County Historical Museum on the weekend.

With grocery costs 5% below the national average, you can enjoy your retirement without the stress of high expenses. Besides, Burlington has a relaxed pace and welcoming vibe. This makes it ideal for retirees who want an active, peaceful and community-oriented life.

» Burlington Homes for Sale: Find your dream retirement home in this charming North Carolina city!

So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in North Carolina?

You will find cheap houses for sale in North Carolina in cities like Lumberton, Henderson, and Kinston. They also offer stable job opportunities and a low cost of living, which is more affordable than other North Carolina cities.

Moving to North Carolina means a 6% cheaper cost of living compared to the national average. Want to save even more? Get a mortgage pre-approval! This will help you stand out among the competition before buying a house in North Carolina.

» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.

Find Your Affordable House With Houzeo

With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of tiny homes for sale in North Carolina on Houzeo.

» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.

Research Methodology for Cheapest Places to Live in NC

This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on four parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the cheapest places to live in the Tar Heel State:

• Zillow^[1]: Median House Price, Rental Price
• RentCafe^[2] : Cost of Living
• U.S. Census Bureau^[3]: Median Household Income
• World Population Review^[4]: Population

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