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Kinston, NC

Cost of living in Lenoir County, NC

Estimated monthly cost
$2,631/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 54,917 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $740 28%
Healthcare $480 18%
Federal tax $394 15%
Groceries $327 12%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $187 7%
State tax $128 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Lenoir County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$735
per month
1 bedroom
$740
per month
2 bedroom
$930
per month
3 bedroom
$1,300
per month
4 bedroom
$1,497
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Lenoir County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$44,795
per year
Individual earnings
$34,142
per year
Per capita
$28,409
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Lenoir County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$111,400
Annual property tax
$985

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Lenoir 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 Lenoir County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
10.2%

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 Lenoir 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 Lenoir County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
24.2 min
Drive alone
82.6%
Public transit
0.5%
Work from home
2.9%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Lenoir County

What it costs to live in Lenoir County each month.

Single person
$2,631
per month
  • Rent $740
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $394
  • State tax $128
Couple
$3,629
per month
  • Rent $930
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $416
  • State tax $168
Family
$6,131
per month
  • Rent $1,300
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $416
  • State tax $168

Frequently asked questions about Lenoir County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Lenoir County?

In Lenoir County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $740 per month, a two-bedroom averages $930 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,300 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Lenoir County?

In Lenoir County, NC, the average household income is $44,795 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $34,142 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Lenoir County?

The estimated cost of living in Lenoir County, NC is approximately $2,631 per month for a single person, $3,629 for a couple, $6,131 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Lenoir County?

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

Is Lenoir County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Lenoir County, NC would need approximately $2,631 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $44,795 per year ($3,733 per month). Lenoir County has a high cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Lenoir County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Lenoir County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 10.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Lenoir County?

The average home value in Lenoir County, NC is $111,400, with average annual property taxes of $985, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Lenoir County compare to other areas?

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