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Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC

Cost of living in Burke County, NC

Part of the Hickory Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,775/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 87,863 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $851 31%
Healthcare $480 17%
Federal tax $421 15%
Groceries $327 12%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $187 7%
State tax $134 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Burke 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 Burke County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$55,684
per year
Individual earnings
$35,806
per year
Per capita
$31,184
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Burke County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$170,500
Annual property tax
$1,191

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Burke 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 Burke County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
11.5%

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 Burke 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 Burke County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
23.5 min
Drive alone
83.4%
Public transit
0.1%
Work from home
5.4%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Burke County

What it costs to live in Burke County each month.

Single person
$2,775
per month
  • Rent $851
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $421
  • State tax $134
Couple
$3,951
per month
  • Rent $1,046
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $581
  • State tax $209
Family
$6,371
per month
  • Rent $1,334
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $581
  • State tax $209

Frequently asked questions about Burke County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Burke County?

In Burke 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 Burke County?

In Burke County, NC, the average household income is $55,684 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $35,806 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Burke County?

The estimated cost of living in Burke County, NC is approximately $2,775 per month for a single person, $3,951 for a couple, $6,371 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Burke County?

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

Is Burke County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Burke County, NC would need approximately $2,775 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $55,684 per year ($4,640 per month). Burke County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Burke County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Burke County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 11.5% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Burke County?

The average home value in Burke County, NC is $170,500, with average annual property taxes of $1,191, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Burke County compare to other areas?

You can compare Burke County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Burke 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 Burke 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