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Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC

Cost of living in Alexander County, NC

Part of the Hickory Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,852/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 36,440 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $851 30%
Federal tax $483 17%
Healthcare $480 17%
Groceries $327 11%
Transport $320 11%
Energy $187 7%
State tax $149 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Alexander County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$818
per month
1 bedroom
$851
per month
2 bedroom
$1,046
per month
3 bedroom
$1,334
per month
4 bedroom
$1,567
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Alexander County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$65,268
per year
Individual earnings
$39,603
per year
Per capita
$32,565
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Alexander County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$190,000
Annual property tax
$1,199

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Alexander County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$147
per month · 14¢/kWh
Natural gas
$40
per month
Annual total
$2,244
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Alexander County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
8.8%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Alexander County

State and local tax rates for North Carolina.

State income tax
4.5%
Flat rate
State sales tax
4.8%
Combined sales tax
7.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Alexander County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
27.7 min
Drive alone
84.1%
Public transit
0.0%
Work from home
5.4%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Alexander County

What it costs to live in Alexander County each month.

Single person
$2,852
per month
  • Rent $851
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $483
  • State tax $149
Couple
$4,144
per month
  • Rent $1,046
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $738
  • State tax $245
Family
$6,564
per month
  • Rent $1,334
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $738
  • State tax $245

Frequently asked questions about Alexander County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Alexander County?

In Alexander County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $851 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,046 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,334 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Alexander County?

In Alexander County, NC, the average household income is $65,268 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $39,603 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Alexander County?

The estimated cost of living in Alexander County, NC is approximately $2,852 per month for a single person, $4,144 for a couple, $6,564 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Alexander County?

The combined sales tax rate in Alexander County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.

Is Alexander County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Alexander County, NC would need approximately $2,852 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $65,268 per year ($5,439 per month). Alexander County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Alexander County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Alexander County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Alexander County?

The average home value in Alexander County, NC is $190,000, with average annual property taxes of $1,199, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Alexander County compare to other areas?

You can compare Alexander County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Alexander County is in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metro area.

Other counties in North Carolina

Browse the full list of counties in North Carolina, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in North Carolina

Compare Alexander County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources