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Morehead City, NC

Cost of living in Carteret County, NC

Estimated monthly cost
$2,906/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 68,652 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $929 32%
Healthcare $480 17%
Federal tax $464 16%
Groceries $327 11%
Transport $320 11%
Energy $187 6%
State tax $144 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Carteret County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$923
per month
1 bedroom
$929
per month
2 bedroom
$1,219
per month
3 bedroom
$1,584
per month
4 bedroom
$2,002
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Carteret County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$70,235
per year
Individual earnings
$38,413
per year
Per capita
$42,707
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Carteret County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$304,200
Annual property tax
$1,369

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Carteret 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 Carteret County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
9.3%

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 Carteret 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 Carteret County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
23.2 min
Drive alone
80.7%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
10.3%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Carteret County

What it costs to live in Carteret County each month.

Single person
$2,906
per month
  • Rent $929
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $464
  • State tax $144
Couple
$4,416
per month
  • Rent $1,219
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $819
  • State tax $263
Family
$6,913
per month
  • Rent $1,584
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $819
  • State tax $263

Frequently asked questions about Carteret County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Carteret County?

In Carteret County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $929 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,219 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,584 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Carteret County?

In Carteret County, NC, the average household income is $70,235 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $38,413 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Carteret County?

The estimated cost of living in Carteret County, NC is approximately $2,906 per month for a single person, $4,416 for a couple, $6,913 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Carteret County?

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

Is Carteret County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Carteret County, NC would need approximately $2,906 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $70,235 per year ($5,853 per month). Carteret County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Carteret County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Carteret County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 9.3% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Carteret County?

The average home value in Carteret County, NC is $304,200, with average annual property taxes of $1,369, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Carteret County compare to other areas?

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