Cost of living in Dare County, NC
Population 37,534 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Dare County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Dare County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Dare County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Dare County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Dare County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
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 Dare County
State and local tax rates for North Carolina.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Dare County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Dare County
What it costs to live in Dare County each month.
- Rent $1,269
- Energy $187
- Water $55
- Groceries $327
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $469
- State tax $145
- Rent $1,411
- Energy $224
- Water $65
- Groceries $542
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $999
- State tax $305
- Rent $1,874
- Energy $280
- Water $75
- Groceries $822
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $999
- State tax $305
Frequently asked questions about Dare County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Dare County?
In Dare County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,269 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,411 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,874 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Dare County?
In Dare County, NC, the average household income is $81,214 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $38,764 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Dare County?
The estimated cost of living in Dare County, NC is approximately $3,252 per month for a single person, $4,830 for a couple, $7,425 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Dare County?
The combined sales tax rate in Dare County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.
Is Dare County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Dare County, NC would need approximately $3,252 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $81,214 per year ($6,768 per month). Dare County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Dare County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Dare County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.9% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Dare County?
The average home value in Dare County, NC is $425,400, with average annual property taxes of $2,245, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Dare County compare to other areas?
You can compare Dare County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Dare County is in the Kill Devil Hills, NC metro area.
Other counties in North Carolina
Browse the full list of counties in North Carolina, ranked by cost of living.
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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