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Raleigh-Cary, NC

Cost of living in Johnston County, NC

Part of the Raleigh Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,724/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 226,623 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,592 43%
Federal tax $590 16%
Healthcare $480 13%
Groceries $327 9%
Transport $320 9%
Energy $187 5%
State tax $173 5%
Water $55 1%

Rent in Johnston County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,533
per month
1 bedroom
$1,592
per month
2 bedroom
$1,763
per month
3 bedroom
$2,192
per month
4 bedroom
$2,961
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Johnston County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$79,838
per year
Individual earnings
$46,100
per year
Per capita
$36,673
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Johnston County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$267,600
Annual property tax
$1,840

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Johnston 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 Johnston County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
11.1%

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 Johnston 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 Johnston County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
32.5 min
Drive alone
77.5%
Public transit
0.1%
Work from home
13.1%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Johnston County

What it costs to live in Johnston County each month.

Single person
$3,724
per month
  • Rent $1,592
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $590
  • State tax $173
Couple
$5,154
per month
  • Rent $1,763
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $977
  • State tax $299
Family
$7,715
per month
  • Rent $2,192
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $977
  • State tax $299

Frequently asked questions about Johnston County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Johnston County?

In Johnston County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,592 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,763 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,192 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Johnston County?

In Johnston County, NC, the average household income is $79,838 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $46,100 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Johnston County?

The estimated cost of living in Johnston County, NC is approximately $3,724 per month for a single person, $5,154 for a couple, $7,715 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Johnston County?

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

Is Johnston County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Johnston County, NC would need approximately $3,724 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $79,838 per year ($6,653 per month). Johnston County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Johnston County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Johnston County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 11.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Johnston County?

The average home value in Johnston County, NC is $267,600, with average annual property taxes of $1,840, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Johnston County compare to other areas?

You can compare Johnston County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Johnston County is in the Raleigh-Cary, 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 Johnston 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