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North Carolina

Cost of living in Columbus County, NC

Estimated monthly cost
$2,638/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 50,453 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $715 27%
Healthcare $480 18%
Federal tax $420 16%
Groceries $327 12%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $187 7%
State tax $134 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Columbus County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$710
per month
1 bedroom
$715
per month
2 bedroom
$938
per month
3 bedroom
$1,130
per month
4 bedroom
$1,244
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Columbus County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$48,184
per year
Individual earnings
$35,723
per year
Per capita
$26,755
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Columbus County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$128,300
Annual property tax
$1,120

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Columbus 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 Columbus County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
13.6%

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 Columbus 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 Columbus County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
28.2 min
Drive alone
84.9%
Public transit
0.0%
Work from home
4.8%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Columbus County

What it costs to live in Columbus County each month.

Single person
$2,638
per month
  • Rent $715
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $420
  • State tax $134
Couple
$3,699
per month
  • Rent $938
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $465
  • State tax $181
Family
$6,023
per month
  • Rent $1,130
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $465
  • State tax $181

Frequently asked questions about Columbus County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Columbus County?

In Columbus County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $715 per month, a two-bedroom averages $938 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,130 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Columbus County?

In Columbus County, NC, the average household income is $48,184 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $35,723 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Columbus County?

The estimated cost of living in Columbus County, NC is approximately $2,638 per month for a single person, $3,699 for a couple, $6,023 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Columbus County?

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

Is Columbus County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Columbus County, NC would need approximately $2,638 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $48,184 per year ($4,015 per month). Columbus County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Columbus County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Columbus County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 13.6% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Columbus County?

The average home value in Columbus County, NC is $128,300, with average annual property taxes of $1,120, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Columbus County compare to other areas?

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