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Wilmington, NC

Cost of living in Brunswick County, NC

Part of the Wilmington Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,167/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 145,889 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,158 37%
Federal tax $490 15%
Healthcare $480 15%
Groceries $327 10%
Transport $320 10%
Energy $187 6%
State tax $150 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Brunswick County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,057
per month
1 bedroom
$1,158
per month
2 bedroom
$1,282
per month
3 bedroom
$1,796
per month
4 bedroom
$2,153
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Brunswick County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$74,034
per year
Individual earnings
$40,034
per year
Per capita
$44,565
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Brunswick County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$314,700
Annual property tax
$1,789

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Brunswick 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 Brunswick County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
8.0%

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 Brunswick 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 Brunswick County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
25.6 min
Drive alone
76.0%
Public transit
0.9%
Work from home
12.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Brunswick County

What it costs to live in Brunswick County each month.

Single person
$3,167
per month
  • Rent $1,158
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $490
  • State tax $150
Couple
$4,557
per month
  • Rent $1,282
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $882
  • State tax $278
Family
$7,203
per month
  • Rent $1,796
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $882
  • State tax $278

Frequently asked questions about Brunswick County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Brunswick County?

In Brunswick County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,158 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,282 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,796 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Brunswick County?

In Brunswick County, NC, the average household income is $74,034 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $40,034 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Brunswick County?

The estimated cost of living in Brunswick County, NC is approximately $3,167 per month for a single person, $4,557 for a couple, $7,203 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Brunswick County?

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

Is Brunswick County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Brunswick County, NC would need approximately $3,167 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $74,034 per year ($6,170 per month). Brunswick County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Brunswick County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Brunswick County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.0% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Brunswick County?

The average home value in Brunswick County, NC is $314,700, with average annual property taxes of $1,789, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Brunswick County compare to other areas?

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