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Washington, NC

Cost of living in Beaufort County, NC

Estimated monthly cost
$2,711/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 44,597 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $763 28%
Healthcare $480 18%
Federal tax $440 16%
Groceries $327 12%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $187 7%
State tax $139 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Beaufort County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$759
per month
1 bedroom
$763
per month
2 bedroom
$930
per month
3 bedroom
$1,245
per month
4 bedroom
$1,562
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Beaufort County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$57,997
per year
Individual earnings
$36,948
per year
Per capita
$33,912
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Beaufort County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$181,200
Annual property tax
$1,277

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Beaufort 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 Beaufort County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
10.5%

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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
24.2 min
Drive alone
83.5%
Public transit
0.1%
Work from home
8.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Beaufort County

What it costs to live in Beaufort County each month.

Single person
$2,711
per month
  • Rent $763
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $440
  • State tax $139
Couple
$3,881
per month
  • Rent $930
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $619
  • State tax $217
Family
$6,328
per month
  • Rent $1,245
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $619
  • State tax $217

Frequently asked questions about Beaufort County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Beaufort County?

In Beaufort County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $763 per month, a two-bedroom averages $930 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,245 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Beaufort County?

In Beaufort County, NC, the average household income is $57,997 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $36,948 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Beaufort County?

The estimated cost of living in Beaufort County, NC is approximately $2,711 per month for a single person, $3,881 for a couple, $6,328 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Beaufort County?

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

Is Beaufort County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Beaufort County, NC would need approximately $2,711 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $57,997 per year ($4,833 per month). Beaufort County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Beaufort County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Beaufort County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 10.5% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Beaufort County?

The average home value in Beaufort County, NC is $181,200, with average annual property taxes of $1,277, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Beaufort County compare to other areas?

You can compare Beaufort County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Beaufort County is in the Washington, 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 Beaufort 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