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Waynesville, NC

Cost of living in Haywood County, NC

Estimated monthly cost
$3,093/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 62,432 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,105 36%
Healthcare $480 16%
Federal tax $473 15%
Groceries $327 11%
Transport $320 10%
Energy $187 6%
State tax $146 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Haywood County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$987
per month
1 bedroom
$1,105
per month
2 bedroom
$1,223
per month
3 bedroom
$1,473
per month
4 bedroom
$1,736
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Haywood County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$61,001
per year
Individual earnings
$38,961
per year
Per capita
$35,580
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Haywood County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$254,900
Annual property tax
$1,532

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Haywood 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 Haywood County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
11.3%

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 Haywood 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 Haywood County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
23.0 min
Drive alone
79.0%
Public transit
0.0%
Work from home
7.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Haywood County

What it costs to live in Haywood County each month.

Single person
$3,093
per month
  • Rent $1,105
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $473
  • State tax $146
Couple
$4,235
per month
  • Rent $1,223
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $668
  • State tax $229
Family
$6,617
per month
  • Rent $1,473
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $668
  • State tax $229

Frequently asked questions about Haywood County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Haywood County?

In Haywood County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,105 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,223 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,473 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Haywood County?

In Haywood County, NC, the average household income is $61,001 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $38,961 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Haywood County?

The estimated cost of living in Haywood County, NC is approximately $3,093 per month for a single person, $4,235 for a couple, $6,617 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Haywood County?

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

Is Haywood County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Haywood County, NC would need approximately $3,093 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $61,001 per year ($5,083 per month). Haywood County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Haywood County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Haywood County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 11.3% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Haywood County?

The average home value in Haywood County, NC is $254,900, with average annual property taxes of $1,532, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Haywood County compare to other areas?

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