Cheapest Places to Live in NC 2025 (Save Big on Housing)
August 7, 2025
6 minutes
Want to live in North Carolina without breaking the bank?
You're in luck. North Carolina still offers some of the most affordable cities in the U.S., even as housing prices rise nationwide. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, retiree, or investor, this 2025 guide reveals the 7 cheapest places to live in NC-ranked by median home price, cost of living, and job prospects.
From beach towns to mountain views, your budget-friendly NC dream home awaits.
| City | Median Home Price | Cost of Living Index | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Rocky Mount | $264,000 | 11% below U.S. avg | Jobs + affordability |
Kinston | $93,000 | 13% below U.S. avg | Retirees, quiet living |
Lumberton | $239,000 | 21% below U.S. avg | Outdoor + river lifestyle |
Greenville | $229,450 | 2% below U.S. avg | Young pros, job seekers |
Fayetteville | $228,000 | 6% below U.S. avg | Military families |
High Point | $244,500 | 13% below U.S. avg | Urban access, suburban prices |
| Jacksonville | $220,000 | 3% below U.S. avg | Beach + military affordability |
Factors That Make a Place Affordable
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.
7 Cheapest Places to Live in North Carolina in 2025
Here are the 7 most affordable places to live in NC:
#1. Rocky Mount – Affordable Living with a Strong Economy
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.
#2. Kinston – Small Town with Big Savings
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.
#3. Lumberton – Budget-Friendly with Southern Charm
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.
#4. Greenville – Affordable Yet Thriving with Job Opportunities
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.
#5. Fayetteville – Low Cost, Military-Friendly City
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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#6. High Point – Affordable Suburb Near Major Cities
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.
#7. Jacksonville – Low Cost of Living with Beach Access
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.
How We Chose These Cities
What makes a city affordable in North Carolina? We evaluated:
- Home Prices: Compared to the NC median of $327,215
- Cost of Living: North Carolina is 5% below the national average
- Job Market: 328,000 job openings in NC (Nov 2024), $1,143 weekly average wage
- Local Perks: Lifestyle fit, economic growth, and infrastructure
Cheapest Places to Live in NC Near Mountains
Looking for affordable mountain living in North Carolina?
Here are budget-friendly towns near the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains:
- Lenoir, NC – Median home under $220K, close to hiking trail
- Marion, NC – Quaint charm + affordability with mountain views
- Morganton, NC – Great schools + scenic value
Bold Takeaway: You can enjoy the mountains without paying Asheville prices. Median home prices in these towns are 20–30% lower than nearby hotspots.
How to Find Affordable Homes in North Carolina?
Securing an affordable home in North Carolina requires a strategic approach. Here are some effective methods to consider:
1. Utilize Local MLS Listings
- 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.
2. Explore Government-Backed Homebuyer Programs
- 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.
3. Consider Rent-to-Own Options
- 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.
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FAQs
1. What is the absolute cheapest city to live in North Carolina in 2025?
Kinston, NC tops the list with a median home price around $93,000-making it one of the most affordable cities in the entire Southeast.
2. Are there any affordable cities in North Carolina for retirees?
Yes-Kinston, Marion, and Morganton are great for retirees. They offer low living costs, slower pace, and community services ideal for seniors.
3. Where in NC can I live near the beach for cheap?
Jacksonville, NC offers coastal living without the price tag-homes under $230K, low taxes, and beach access near Camp Lejeune.
4. What’s the cost of living like in the cheapest NC towns?
Most towns on this list are 5%–21% below the U.S. average, meaning you’ll pay less for housing, groceries, and services across the board.
5. Can I still find homes under $250K in North Carolina?
Absolutely. Cities like High Point, Fayetteville, and Greenville all have median home prices under $250,000 in 2025-and many listings go even lower.
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Article by
As a great communicator with excellent negotiation skills, I focus more on establishing unbreakable ties between my clients, as opposed to just helping them achieve their real estate dreams. As a representative of both buyers and sellers, I understand how to lead a transaction process to ensure that the needs of both are met. My track record speaks for itself. Since I ventured into the industry in 2013 as a realtor, I have not only helped many buyers land perfect homes, but I have also assisted tons of owners and investors build wealth.