Cost of living in Lee County, NC
Population 64,565 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Lee County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Lee County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Lee County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Lee County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Lee County
What it costs to live in Lee County each month.
- Rent $928
- Energy $187
- Water $55
- Groceries $327
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $449
- State tax $141
- Rent $1,172
- Energy $224
- Water $65
- Groceries $542
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $702
- State tax $236
- Rent $1,412
- Energy $280
- Water $75
- Groceries $822
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $702
- State tax $236
Frequently asked questions about Lee County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Lee County?
In Lee County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $928 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,172 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,412 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Lee County?
In Lee County, NC, the average household income is $63,060 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $37,533 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Lee County?
The estimated cost of living in Lee County, NC is approximately $2,887 per month for a single person, $4,225 for a couple, $6,597 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Lee County?
The combined sales tax rate in Lee County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.
Is Lee County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Lee County, NC would need approximately $2,887 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $63,060 per year ($5,255 per month). Lee County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Lee County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Lee County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 12.4% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Lee County?
The average home value in Lee County, NC is $213,800, with average annual property taxes of $1,707, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Lee County compare to other areas?
You can compare Lee County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Lee County is in the Sanford, 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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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