Cost of living in Avery County, NC
Population 17,643 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Avery County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Avery County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Avery County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Avery County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Avery County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
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 Avery County
State and local tax rates for North Carolina.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Avery County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Avery County
What it costs to live in Avery County each month.
- Rent $803
- Energy $187
- Water $55
- Groceries $327
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $348
- State tax $117
- Rent $1,054
- Energy $224
- Water $65
- Groceries $542
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $613
- State tax $216
- Rent $1,270
- Energy $280
- Water $75
- Groceries $822
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $613
- State tax $216
Frequently asked questions about Avery County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Avery County?
In Avery County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $803 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,054 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,270 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Avery County?
In Avery County, NC, the average household income is $57,657 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $31,328 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Avery County?
The estimated cost of living in Avery County, NC is approximately $2,637 per month for a single person, $3,998 for a couple, $6,346 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Avery County?
The combined sales tax rate in Avery County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.
Is Avery County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Avery County, NC would need approximately $2,637 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $57,657 per year ($4,805 per month). Avery County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Avery County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Avery County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 14.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Avery County?
The average home value in Avery County, NC is $233,200, with average annual property taxes of $966, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Avery County compare to other areas?
You can compare Avery County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Avery County is in North Carolina.
Other counties in North Carolina
Browse the full list of counties in North Carolina, ranked by cost of living.
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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