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North Carolina

Cost of living in Cherokee County, NC

Estimated monthly cost
$2,605/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 29,197 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $719 28%
Healthcare $480 18%
Federal tax $390 15%
Groceries $327 13%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $187 7%
State tax $127 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Cherokee County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$714
per month
1 bedroom
$719
per month
2 bedroom
$943
per month
3 bedroom
$1,316
per month
4 bedroom
$1,482
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Cherokee County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$51,496
per year
Individual earnings
$33,922
per year
Per capita
$30,800
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Cherokee County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$208,700
Annual property tax
$1,045

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Cherokee 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 Cherokee County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
14.8%

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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
26.5 min
Drive alone
77.5%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
10.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Cherokee County

What it costs to live in Cherokee County each month.

Single person
$2,605
per month
  • Rent $719
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $390
  • State tax $127
Couple
$3,765
per month
  • Rent $943
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $514
  • State tax $193
Family
$6,270
per month
  • Rent $1,316
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $514
  • State tax $193

Frequently asked questions about Cherokee County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Cherokee County?

In Cherokee County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $719 per month, a two-bedroom averages $943 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,316 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Cherokee County?

In Cherokee County, NC, the average household income is $51,496 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $33,922 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Cherokee County?

The estimated cost of living in Cherokee County, NC is approximately $2,605 per month for a single person, $3,765 for a couple, $6,270 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Cherokee County?

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

Is Cherokee County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Cherokee County, NC would need approximately $2,605 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $51,496 per year ($4,291 per month). Cherokee County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Cherokee County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Cherokee County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 14.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Cherokee County?

The average home value in Cherokee County, NC is $208,700, with average annual property taxes of $1,045, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Cherokee County compare to other areas?

You can compare Cherokee County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Cherokee County is in North Carolina.

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 Cherokee 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